Genesis heads to Le Mans with GMR-001 Hypercar

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April 24, 2025

Genesis has revealed its GMR-001 Hypercar at the New York International Auto Show. The dedicated racer will spearhead the Korean brand’s ambitious plans for global motorsport success.

Due to compete under the Genesis Magma Racing (GMR) banner, the GMR-001 will race in the LMDh prototype category.

This will involve campaigns in both the prestigious World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the IMSA SportsCar Championship (IMSA).

Ultimately, GMR aims to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. However, the team will face even greater competition in the coming years.

All eyes on Le Mans

The GMR-001 Hypercar has been developed with the hugely successful Oreca Motorsports outfit. Final details of the hybrid-assisted twin-turbocharged V8 engine are being kept secret ahead of the car’s 2026 WEC debut.

Genesis has provided more details of the car’s design, though. Chief creative officer Luc Donckerwolke, played a part in ensuring the GMR-001 bears a resemblance to road-going Genesis vehicles.

This includes Genesis’ signature ‘Two-Line’ lighting, wrapping horizontally around the front and rear of the GMR-001. A ‘Parabolic Line’ sweeps across the side profile, too.

The brand’s trademark Magma orange colour features heavily on the exterior. Donckerwolke said: “The livery is an orchestration of the tension and balance of the distinctly Korean character of the brand. Gradients from Magma orange to dark red emphasise the high temperature of the powertrain.”

“Forging a legacy”

GMR has already recruited three-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner André Lotterer and IMSA star Luis “Pipo” Derani to lead the GMR-001’s on-track development.

Former Renault F1 managing director Cyril Abiteboul will be the team principal at Genesis Magma Racing. Speaking at the launch event, he said: “As we gear up for our 2026 WEC and 2027 IMSA campaigns, we are not merely assembling a race team; we are forging a legacy. Each day brings us one step closer to realising the full potential of Genesis in the world of motorsports.”

Genesis becomes the latest car manufacturer to enter the LMDh prototype category, with Aston Martin, BMW, Cadillac and Ferrari among those already represented on-track.

Earlier this year, Ford announced its own plans for racing in LMDh, with an all-new car set to target the WEC in 2027.

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Polestar introduces battery health certificates for used EVs

By

Richard Aucock

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April 24, 2025

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Used Polestar electric cars will now be sold with certificates showing the health of the battery

Polestar is now offering battery health certificates on second-hand examples of the Polestar 2 electric SUV, when sold through its approved used car scheme.

‘Pre-Owned’ Polestar 2s will undergo a battery state-of-health (SoH) check, which assesses the remaining capacity of the car’s drive battery.

This is presented on a certificate that states the SoH as a percentage, such as ‘>95%’. It allows customers to compare the potential range of a used Polestar 2 with its ‘as new’ figure (derived from the official WLTP test).

‘Giving car buyers transparency’

Polestar 2 pre-owned car information sheet. Highlights battery health over 95%. Includes vehicle illustration, color options, and service details on a blue and white background.

Launched in the UK in 2020, the Polestar 2 is a direct rival for the Tesla Model Y, Kia EV6 and Volvo EX40.

In addition to the SoH check, the remainder of the firm’s eight-year, 100,000-mile battery warranty should offer further reassurance to used car buyers. All Pre-Owned Polestar 2s will receive a 112-point check and a 24-month overall warranty, too.

“Where customers may have been apprehensive about a five-year-old Polestar 2 and its battery condition,” said Polestar UK MD Matt Galvin, “Polestar is giving car buyers transparency and providing peace of mind in the same way we do with our climate impact.

“As more Pre-Owned Polestars start to come on the market, it offers a lower price entry-point to join the Polestar family and experience our performance EVs with all the software features of our new cars.”

The battery check will expand to used Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 models once these vehicles filter onto the used car market.

Polestar Pre-Owned offer

To generate interest in the new battery certificates, Polestar has announced a sales event for its Pre-Owned cars.

Second-hand examples of the Polestar 2 purchased between 17 and 30 April 2025 will come with a reduced-interest PCP finance offer – down from 11.4 percent to 8.9 percent.

They will also be supplied with a free Zaptec home charger, saving customers up to £495. The charger itself comes with a five-year warranty.

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Porsche 911 goes retro with new Spirit 70 special edition

By

John Redfern

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April 23, 2025

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Dust off your disco ball: Porsche is taking the 911 back to the 1970s with its latest Heritage Design special edition.

The 911 Spirit 70 is a deliberate throwback to the late 1970s and early 1980s. Olive Neo, an exclusive retro paint colour, comes as standard.

Based on the 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet, the Spirit 70 uses a 541hp, hybrid-assisted version of Porsche’s turbocharged 3.6-litre flat-six engine.

Production of the 911 Spirit 70 will be capped at 1,500 cars, with a special commemorative wristwatch offered to customers, too.

Going for gold

The third model in Porsche’s Heritage Design range, the Spirit 70 continues the theme of referencing classic 911 styling cues.

Its Olive Neo paint is described as being a ‘rich, deep green with a modern undertone’. It is complemented by details in Bronzite – with the grey-gold colour used for inserts in the front bumper, plus the Fuchs-inspired Sport Classic wheels.

A trio of black stripes run across the Spirit 70’s bonnet, with retro-style ‘911’ numerals leaving no doubt as to this Porsche’s identity. Racing roundels featuring the number ‘70’ are affixed to both doors.

The Porsche emblem on the bonnet is almost identical to the historic crest first used in 1963, and joined by gold-coloured ‘Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur’ badges on the front wings. More gold is used for the Porsche lettering and 911 model designation at the rear.

The spirit of disco

On the inside, Porsche’s famous Pasha patterned fabric makes another appearance, here in a contrasting black and Olive Neo colour combination.

The centres of the 18-way adjustable sports seats are trimmed with Pasha fabric, along with the door cards and even the inside of the glovebox. For those who want even more Pasha, the backs of the seats and dashboard can also be clad in the chequered trim.

Basalt Black club leather is used for the remainder of the interior. A reversible boot mat, also in Pasha fabric, livens up the luggage compartment.

The digital instrument panel uses white pointers on black analogue-effect dials, with green digits as a subtle nod to the classic Porsche 356.

Timed to perfection

Potential Spirit 70 customers can use a new application developed for the Apple Vision Pro VR headset, which allows them to customise details of their sports car.

Available to order from Porsche Centres now, the 911 Spirit 70 has a starting price of £187,700. The first customer deliveries are expected in July this year.

Buyers also have the chance to purchase a handcrafted Porsche Design 911 Spirit 70 chronograph watch when ordering their car. The £12,000 accessory has the matching vehicle’s production number engraved on the back of its case, plus a Pasha pattern (what else?) on the central dial.

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British Touring Car Championship to broadcast live in North America

By

John Redfern

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April 23, 2025

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The 2025 British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) will be available to watch live in the United States and Canada, thanks to a multi-year deal.

An exclusive agreement between the BTCC and Racer Network will see all 30 rounds of the touring car series broadcast to American and Canadian audiences throughout 2025.

It marks the first time in the 67-year history of the competition that North American motorsport fans have been able to watch the BTCC live.

As one of the world’s oldest and most popular domestic racing championships, the BTCC is keen to expand its global audience.

Bringing BTCC racing to new fans

The Racer Network has secured exclusive broadcast rights to the BTCC in North America, and will screen the three races each weekend on its main Racer channel.

Coverage of the BTCC’s various support series, along with extended post-race weekend highlights, will be offered through the Racer+ app.

The North American announcement comes as the BTCC confirms it will stream each race day live to global audiences via the championship’s own YouTube channel.

Naturally, the agreement excludes viewers in North America from the YouTube streaming option, along with those watching in the United Kingdom.

An increasing global presence

Following the announcement, CJ Olivares, president of the Racer Network, said: “Bringing the BTCC to North American screens live for the first time is a milestone for our newly launched network and for motorsports fans across North America.”

Alan Gow, chief executive of the BTCC, added: “We are delighted to strike this new partnership with the Racer Network, ensuring that the BTCC will be screened live across North America for the first time ever. It’s another significant step in the ongoing growth of the championship.”

The 2025 BTCC season gets underway on 27 April, when the opening rounds will take place at Donington Park circuit.

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Porsche 911 GT3 is quickest manual car around the Nurburgring

By

John Redfern

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April 23, 2025

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The latest Porsche 911 GT3 has become the fastest car equipped with a manual gearbox to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit.

A time of 6:56.294 minutes means the stick-shift 911 GT3 completed a lap some 9.5 seconds quicker than the former record holder: the V10-powered Dodge Viper ACR.

Incredibly, the new manual 992.2-generation 911 GT3, when fitted with the weight-saving Weissach Package, was also 3.633 seconds faster than the previous PDK-equipped 992.1 model.

What makes the new car’s performance still more impressive is that it retains the same 510hp 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six engine as its predecessor. As such, all extra speed comes solely from chassis tuning and tyres.

The new ‘Ring master

Previously reserved solely for the flagship 911 GT3 RS, the Weissach Package adds £15,597 to the price of a new GT3.

It brings a host of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) components, including the anti-roll bars, bonnet and roof panel. A set of magnesium alloy wheels, shod with road-legal Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres, help to ensure maximum on-track ability.

The extreme GT3 RS also informs other improvements for the latest GT3, such as revised suspension geometry to make the car more stable at speed.

When fitted with a manual transmission, the 911 GT3 features eight percent shorter gear ratios than before, plus a short-throw gear lever to speed up the human side of the equation.

More fun with a manual

Behind the wheel of the 911 GT3 for the record-setting run was Porsche brand ambassador and former racing driver, Jorg Bergmeister.

“The new 911 GT3 inspires even more confidence at the limit than the previous model. I was faster in almost every corner,” said Bergmeister after a timed lap of the 12.944-mile circuit.

The two-time Le Mans winner added: “Even if it would have been a few seconds faster with the seven-speed PDK, with the six-speed manual gearbox I definitely had more to do on the fast lap – and it was therefore even more fun.”

Prices for the latest 911 GT3 start from £158,200, excluding options such as the Weissach Package. All customers will be invited to explore their new car’s capabilities on-track at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone.

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Tesla swaps ‘free’ new car colours in the UK

By

Richard Aucock

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April 22, 2025

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The Tesla Model Y is one of the cars with new 'free' paint colours

For years, the ‘free’ paint choice with a new Tesla has been white. Those who wanted an alternative colour had to pay extra.

Tesla paint options are not cheap either, priced at either £1,300 or £2,000. Unsurprisingly, this led to a high proportion of UK-market Teslas being finished in white.

However, with new electric cars priced over £40,000 now required to pay the ‘Expensive Car Supplement’ for VED (road tax), the American company has decided to take action.

Tesla is back in black

For the popular Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive, which costs £39,990, Tesla has replaced standard Pearl White with a choice of either Stealth Grey or Solid Black as the base paint colours.

Either can be chosen without paying a paint premium, meaning owners can still escape the Expensive Car Supplement. Over five years, this will save them more than £3,100.

All other Tesla Model 3s now feature Stealth Grey as the standard colour, instead of Pearl White. The larger Tesla Model Y has seen the standard Pearl White paint colour replaced with Stealth Grey, too.

Improving used car values

With one eye on the used car market, Tesla says the change ‘is expected to encourage a broader mix of colour choices in the UK, and support stronger residual values’.

Having a more balanced mix of colours will help ensure large numbers of white-coloured Teslas aren’t marked down as used cars, compared to more colourful alternatives.

In March 2025, Tesla saw nearly 7,200 cars delivered, cementing an overall increase in year-on-year quarterly sales.

“This is a clear indicator that Tesla continues to be on a growth path in the UK,” said a spokesperson.

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New electric Renault 5 Turbo 3E to cost from £135,000

By

John Redfern

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April 22, 2025

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Renault has revealed a starting price for its supercar-chasing 5 Turbo 3E, with order books now open for the electric hot hatchback.

Announced as a production model last month, the reborn 5 Turbo 3E pays tribute to Renault’s mid-engined icon of the 1980s.

Boasting 540hp from its electric powertrain, Renault promises the potential for blistering acceleration, plus a top speed in excess of 165mph.

Indeed, perhaps the only thing more dramatic than the Renault 5 Turbo 3E’s performance is its price tag – with a list price deep into six figures.

Supercar speed, supercar prices

The first 500 people who sign up to reserve a Renault 5 Turbo 3E will secure themselves a special price of £135,000. In total, a production run of 1,980 cars is planned.

Renault notes that, while this introductory price does include VAT, any additional options and customisation will increase the car’s cost.

A dedicated page on the Renault website allows would-be customers to make a reservation and select a local dealership. This will lead to an in-person appointment, where a reservation form can be signed.

Making a reservation means that, when assembly of the Renault 5 Turbo 3E starts, those with their name down will be at the front of the queue. For an additional cost, they can also choose a particular numbered vehicle from the 1,980 cars.

Time to get personal

The next stage of the buying process starts in 2026, when dealerships will invite customers to begin making their personalisation choices.

Individuality will play a major part in the Renault 5 Turbo 3E experience, with buyers able to create bespoke exterior liveries, or pay homage to the original Renault 5 Turbo’s motorsport heritage.

Finally, in the first half of 2027, customers can finalise the configuration of their chosen car and place a build order. Completed 3Es should arrive at dealers later that year.

The Renault 5 Turbo 3E will go on display at selected RNLT stores across Europe, before making its official public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this summer – taking place from 10 to 13 July 2025.

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A third of Brits judge others on the cleanliness of their car

By

John Redfern

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April 21, 2025

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British motorists proudly like to clean their cars regularly, according to new research undertaken by eBay.

The online marketplace found that 25 percent of car owners clean their vehicle at least once a month, with 13 percent tackling the grime once a week.

Notably, more than half of respondents (60 percent) said they do the job themselves, instead of trusting car washes to do the cleaning for them.

Of those who do the hard work themselves, a third (33 percent) said they spend up to one hour washing and polishing their car.

German car drivers pass judgement

Car cleanliness apparently matters most to owners of premium German cars, based upon eBay’s findings.

Almost half (47 percent) of BMW owners wash their car once a week, with 57 percent saying they would feel ashamed if someone saw their vehicle looking unclean.

By contrast, Dacia owners are far more relaxed, with only 18 percent bothered about their car looking dirty in public.

Some 58 percent of Audi drivers said they would judge other road users for having an unwashed car. BMW drivers were not far behind on 57 percent, with 51 percent of Mercedes-Benz owners saying the same.

Get the right tools for the job

Worryingly, eBay’s research uncovered that almost a quarter (22 percent) of motorists used washing-up liquid to clean their car. With chemicals designed to cut through food waste and grease, washing-up liquid can damage car paintwork.

However, almost two thirds (63 percent) said they use a proper car shampoo, and 29 percent said they have a pressure washer for cleaning.

This is reflected in the car care items most frequently searched for on eBay; pump foam sprayers and portable car washing water pumps are among the most popular.

Abir Tewari, UK director of parts and accessories at eBay, said: “Britain is a nation of passionate car lovers, with many meticulously keeping their motor spick and span.

“However, our research shows some drivers are using the wrong products, which could be doing more harm than good. Using eBay, motorists can find a comprehensive range of cleaning accessories, from low-cost items for everyday drivers to high-end products for professional detailers.”

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You can now play Pac-Man in your Volkswagen

By

John Redfern

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April 19, 2025

0

Volkswagen has expanded the range of games available through its in-car infotainment system, adding Pac-Man Championship Edition.

The legendary arcade game can be played via a Volkswagen’s touchscreen, with a smartphone acting as the controller, when the car is parked.

Pac-Man is available in a host of Volkswagen models with the latest ID. 4.0 software. These include electric vehicles such as the ID.7, ID.4 and ID.5.

AirConsole, the company behind the in-car gaming app, has also added extra features to give Pac-Man a special Volkswagen update.

Don’t be afraid of ghosts

The game follows the traditional setup, with players controlling Pac-Man as he eats dots spread throughout a maze – while avoiding being caught by ghosts.

Once all the dots have been eaten, a new level can begin. Extra points are awarded for touching icons made to look like the Volkswagen Beetle, Camper and Mk4 Golf R32. Extra power pellets take the form of a Volkswagen logo.

Pac-Man Championship Edition is the first AirConsole game to make use of ambient interior lighting on compatible models, along with the ID.Light strip that runs around the dashboard.

An immersive game experience

The AirConsole app can be downloaded and installed on a range of Volkswagen electric vehicles, along with newer combustion-powered cars.

Vehicles sold from 2025 onwards, such as the Tiguan, Passat, Golf and new Tayron seven-seat SUV (pictured above), are compatible with the AirConsole app.

In-car gaming is a growing market, with AirConsole offering multiple options across different car manufacturers.

Last year, Mini and BMW owners gained the chance to play the classic Uno card game via their in-car OLED touchscreens.

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New Kia K4 Hatchback could take on Volkswagen Golf

By

John Redfern

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April 17, 2025

0

While the 2025 New York International Auto Show might have been heavy on SUVs, Kia proved that the family hatchback still has a future.

Making its public debut in New York is the Kia K4 Hatchback, a Volkswagen Golf-sized family five-door that will be sold in North American dealerships later this year.

Designed alongside a traditional four-door saloon – already on sale in the United States, Australia and the Middle East – the Mexican-built K4 Hatchback is aimed at those ‘with active lifestyles’.

Although Kia says the K4 Hatchback is not currently intended for sale in the UK, it seems the perfect car to replace the ageing Kia Ceed.

Bold styling for K4 Hatchback

Making use of Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design language – as seen on the electric EV3 and EV4 – the Kia K4 Hatchback certainly looks striking.

It measures just over 4.4 metres in length, making it around 200mm longer than an equivalent Mk8 Volkswagen Golf. Kia says the K4 Hatchback has the same ‘class-leading’ rear legroom as the saloon variant, despite being almost 280mm shorter overall.

GT-Line and GT-Line Turbo models will be equipped with sports suspension, along with 18-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the K4 features a dual digital display that measures nearly 30 inches across. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the range, along with Kia’s AI Assistant – said to make using voice commands easier.

Petrol power, not electric

North American engine options for the K4 Hatchback start with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol that develops 147hp and 132lb ft of torque. This uses an automatic CVT transmission to drive the front wheels.

Buyers can also choose a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine with 190hp and 195lb ft of torque. The more powerful motor comes with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

However, should the K4 Hatchback make the trip across the Atlantic, bank on seeing smaller hybrid engine options for the UK.

American customers can order the K4 hatchback from later this year, with prices to be confirmed closer to its on-sale date.

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