New Porsche Cayenne Electric will offer wireless charging

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September 4, 2025

Porsche has announced that the forthcoming Cayenne Electric will be able to use wireless charging.

Essentially, this means the new SUV can replenish its battery pack without the need to plug in. Instead, it uses a bespoke charging pad.

Removing the need to connect to a wallbox should make charging the Cayenne Electric more convenient. The Porsche wireless charging plate can deliver electricity at up to 11kW.

The announcement of wireless charging capability is also an excuse for Porsche to preview the Cayenne Electric in prototype form. Partially disguised with dramatic illuminated fluorescent paint, it will be on display at this month’s Munich Motor Show.

Smartphone-style car charging

Research by Porsche found that 75 percent of charging for its electric vehicles takes place at home. Making domestic life easier for Porsche owners has thus been an important area of focus.

Available to be installed in a garage, carport or even in the open, the charging plate comes with wireless internet connectivity. This allows it to receive over-the-air updates.

In order to make use of smartphone-style wireless charging, Porsche customers will need to select this option when ordering a new Cayenne Electric.

This will add a receiver unit mounted between the car’s front wheels, which is protected from stone chips and fully weatherproofed.

Making EV charging easier

To start charging, the Cayenne Electric simply needs to be parked above the wireless plate. Porsche’s luxury SUV will then lower its suspension automatically, reducing the distance between the charger and receiver.

The Cayenne Electric’s surround-view parking system comes with a dedicated setting to help align the Porsche with the charging plate. The batteries will start to be replenished once the handbrake is applied.

“Ease of use, suitability for everyday use and charging infrastructure are still the decisive factors when it comes to the acceptance of electric mobility,” said Porsche board member for development, Michael Steiner.

“We are proud that inductive charging will soon be available in series production at Porsche. Charging an electric car at home has never been so easy and convenient.”

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The famous Citroen H-Type van is back – as an EV

By

John Redfern

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September 4, 2025

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The iconic Citroen H van has made a comeback, with a conversion based on the modern e-Relay model.

Officially licensed by Citroen, and featuring a comprehensive bodykit made by Italian manufacturer Caselani, the new electric H-Type is available now.

It means mobile coffee shops and artisan bakers now have a reliable and comfortable alternative to the classic Citroen van.

Supplied by TypeH, a division of popular Citroen specialists The 2CV Shop, the reborn H van is also offered with traditional diesel power.

Classic style, modern tech

More than 470,000 examples of the original Citroen H-Type van were made between 1947 and 1981. Making use of corrugated body panels, similar to the earliest examples of the 2CV, the H-Type was designed as a low-cost utility vehicle for post-war France.

The Caselani-designed bodykit recreates the style of the original H-Type, including a prominent front grille, corrugated-look side panels and a tailgate that resembles the three-piece design of the original.

Unlike a real H-Type, there are no ‘suicide-opening’ front doors. Being based on Citroen e-Relay means features such as air conditioning, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera are included, too.

The e-Relay’s powertrain includes a 110kWh battery pack, offering a potential range of up to 260 miles. It also ensures the modern H van can recharge at speeds of up to 150kW.

A whole retro van range

Mirroring the Citroen e-Relay range means the new H van comes in a host of panel van configurations, along with a base chassis cab version. Depending on the model chosen, payload capacity is up to 1,385kg.

Prices for the electric H van start from £51,995 plus VAT in chassis cab form. The smallest L3 H2 panel van costs from £63,495 plus VAT.

Alternatively, TypeH is able to convert an existing Citroen e-Relay van to the H-Type style, with prices from £24,595 plus VAT.

Available to order now, each van comes with a full Citroen warranty, offering cover for three years or 100,000 miles.

TypeH also offers a host of other classic-inspired Citroen vans, including the Berlingo-based Fourgonnette. Even the tiny Ami quadricycle can receive a retro makeover.

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Toyota has built a V-8 GR Supra – but there’s a catch

By

John Redfern

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September 3, 2025

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Toyota has revealed a new GR Supra powered by a V-8 engine, but the car is eligible for competition use only.

Developed for the Supercars Championship in Australia, Toyota’s GEN3 GR Supra features a 5.2-liter quad-cam V-8 derived from the engine found in the Lexus RC F.

It marks the latest racing effort for the GR Supra, which has competed in championships as diverse as NASCAR and drifting challenges.

The announcement is a bittersweet one for Australian Toyota enthusiasts, however, as it comes less than two weeks after Toyota Australia confirmed it would no longer be taking orders for the GR Supra. Some 1,400 examples have been sold in the country since 2019.

Thunder from Down Under

Toyota has committed to compete in the Supercars Championship for the next five years, beginning with the 2026 season.

This will see the GR Supra square up against American-bred muscle in the form of the Ford Mustang GT and Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.

Current Supercars Championship rules mean that all cars must be powered by a V-8 engine and use a rear-wheel-drive layout. Each manufacturer nominates a single engine builder, with the allocations to teams randomized to ensure fairness.

Similar to the NASCAR Cup series, Supercars Championship organizers work to ensure parity between the competing cars. This should help the GR Supra be competitive from the outset when it hits the track in 2026.

A new motorsport era for Toyota

The Supercars Championship has become a hotbed for international motorsport talent. Scott McLaughlin dominated the series before his move to IndyCar, with NASCAR Cup driver Shane van Gisbergen also a triple champion.

Walkinshaw Andretti United (WAU) will be the team responsible for homologating the GR Supra, acting as Toyota’s launch partner. Ryan Wood and Chaz Mostert will drive the GR Supra for WAU.

Brad Jones Racing will field a further four cars. The line-up of drivers will be confirmed closer to the start of the 2026 season.

WAU director Ryan Walkinshaw said: “What a moment today is, as the covers come off the GR Supra Supercar. A huge thank you must start with everyone at Toyota, for their trust, their belief, and their support of Walkinshaw Andretti United.”

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First look at electric Volkswagen ID. Polo due next year

By

John Redfern

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September 3, 2025

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Volkswagen has announced a new naming convention, giving its classic model badges a modern electrified twist.

Kick-starting the new strategy is the ID. Polo – the production version of 2023’s ID. 2all electric supermini concept car.

Due in 2026, the battery-powered Volkswagen ID. Polo will be sold alongside a petrol-powered version. The Polo name celebrated its 50th anniversary this year.

The hope is that combining traditional Volkswagen badges with the electric ‘ID.’ prefix will make the German marque’s model lineup easier to understand for customers.

The start of a new era

Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand, said: “Our model names are firmly anchored in people’s minds.

“They stand for a strong brand and embody characteristics such as quality, timeless design and technologies for all. That’s why we’re moving our well-known names into the future. The ID. Polo is just the beginning.”

Volkswagen will transfer more legacy names to the electrified ID. portfolio as it continues to update its model range with each generation.

Introduced in 2018, the ID. electric sub-brand now encompasses seven different models sold across the globe. These range from the compact ID.3 hatchback through to the executive ID.7 fastback and estate.

Making EV motoring accessible

As part of the upcoming Munich Motor Show, taking place from 8-14 September 2025, Volkswagen will unveil the still-camouflaged ID. Polo and ID. Polo GTI models.

A preview night ahead of the main show will also see the new ID. Cross Concept revealed. The compact SUV is expected to arrive in late 2026, and will be the battery-powered counterpart to the Volkswagen T-Cross.

Martin Sander, member of the Volkswagen board for sales and marketing, said: “Our cars often accompany people for many years – they shape memories and stages of life. A model like the Polo shows just how powerful a name can be: it stands for reliability, personality and history.

“That’s precisely why we are again giving our ID. models names that arouse emotions and are anchored in people’s everyday lives. Electric mobility should not only be progressive, but also accessible and personal.”

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Dramatic Audi Concept C previews the new electric TT

By

John Redfern

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September 3, 2025

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Unveiled in Milan, the new Audi Concept C is a dramatic statement of intent for the future of the German marque.

With both the TT sports car and R8 supercar now retired from Audi’s model range, the Concept C demonstrates how a new battery-powered roadster could look.

Due to be displayed at the forthcoming Munich Motor Show, the Concept C pays homage to classic models from Audi’s past, including the 1936 Auto Union Type C.

The result is a design that its maker says ‘embodies athletic minimalism with a purity of form, precision, and solidity’.

Progress through technology

Compared to Audi’s recent designs the most noticeable change for the Concept C is a shrunken front grille. However, being a battery-powered roadster, the ‘vertical frame’ is used solely to house sensors for an extensive array of technology, rather than being needed for cooling.

The use of minimal body decoration, along with strong lines, is likely to invite comparisons to the radical Jaguar Type 00 concept. Audi says the new design language is inspired by the marque’s past achievements.

Audi CEO Gernot Döllner explained: “Our history is marked by bold leaps in innovation and state-of-the-art technology combined with an uncompromising focus on clarity in design. Our most legendary models perfectly embody this combination.”

Minimalist design, premium features

Other notable exterior details include a new LED lightning signature, the bespoke ‘Titanium’ body colour and a retractable hard-top roof. The latter makes its first appearance on an Audi roadster, and contributes to an R8-esque roofline.

On the inside, there are hints of the first-generation Audi TT, with a minimalist design and foldable 10.4-inch central infotainment screen. A tiny digital instrument panel is recessed into the dashboard. Audi has also gone big on the use of real metal components to enhance the premium feel.

Audi is saying little about what role a production Concept C could play in its range. Being positioned closer to the space formerly occupied by the TT seems most likely, though.

With Audi’s commitment to have a battery electric vehicle in every core model segment by 2027, it should only be a short wait to find out.

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Sayonara, Godzilla: final Nissan GT-R built after 18 years

By

John Redfern

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September 2, 2025

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The final example of the Nissan GT-R has left the production line in Japan, bringing to an end its almost 18-year lifespan.

Workers at the Nissan plant in Tochigi, 60 miles north of Tokyo, gathered to commemorate the last R35-generation model made.

Some 48,000 examples of the GT-R have left Tochigi since 2007. And the all-wheel-drive sports car has evolved dramatically during almost two decades in existence.

The last R35 also brings to close Nissan’s use of the famous GT-R nameplate, which can trace is history back to 1969.

A constant power evolution

Hitting the Japanese market in late 2007, the Nissan GT-R made it to North America during the summer of 2008. This followed a series of concept cars being teased since 2001.

At launch, the GT-R’s 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine served up 480 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque.

Combined with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission and Nissan’s famed ATTESA all-wheel-drive system, the GT-R could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds. Top speed was 197 mph.

However, by the end of its production run, the GT-R Nismo had been boosted to deliver a supercar-baiting 600 horsepower, with torque up to 481 lb-ft.

During its long life, the GT-R set new lap records at the Nurburgring, won the Japanese Super GT Championship five times, and even claimed a Guinness World Record for the fastest drift.

Gone, but not forever

Global emissions regulations and safety rules have caused Nissan to call time on the GT-R, with the final vehicle, a Premium edition T-Spec finished in Midnight Purple, destined for a customer in Japan.

Ivan Espinosa, president and CEO of Nissan, said: “After 18 remarkable years, the R35 GT-R has left an enduring mark on automotive history. Its legacy is a testament to the passion of our team and the loyalty of our customers around the globe.

“Thank you for being part of this extraordinary journey. To the many fans of the GT-R worldwide, I want to tell you this isn’t a goodbye to the GT-R forever. It’s our goal for the GT-R nameplate to one day make a return.”

Espinosa added: “We understand the expectations are high. The GT-R badge is not something that can be applied to just any vehicle; it is reserved for something truly special and the R35 set the bar high.

“So, all I can ask is for your patience. While we don’t have a precise plan finalized today, the GT-R will evolve and reemerge in the future.”

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How to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of road rage

By

Motoring Research team

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September 2, 2025

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Road rage is a frightening and all-too-common problem on British roads. Indeed, nearly one in five road users are threatened with physical violence every year.

In a study by CAP HPI, 22 percent of motorists said they had got out of their car to argue with another driver in a road rage incident.

Perceived dangerous overtaking is the main trigger for road rage, prompting 28 percent of drivers to engage in an argument with a fellow motorist.

Tailgating, using a mobile phone at the wheel and breaking the speed limit were the other causes of anger named in the study.

Avoiding road rage

With help from GEM Motoring Assist, we’ve identified a few steps to reduce the risk of becoming the target of somebody else’s aggression.

In no particular order, these are:

Keep calm and show restraint. Every car journey brings the risk of frustration and conflict, so be patient and don’t use your horn unless necessary. ‘Impolite’ hand gestures should certainly be avoided, too
Avoid the desire to ‘get even’. Don’t attempt to rebuke or ‘educate’ a driver who you believe is in the wrong
Don’t push into traffic queues. Wait for a signal from a fellow motorist.
Say thank you and say sorry. If you make a mistake, offer an apology to help defuse any anger.
Move away from trouble. If you feel threatened, lock the doors and drive to the nearest police station. Alternatively, move to a busy area, such as a petrol station. Contact the police and/or press the horn repeatedly to deter a would-be attacker.
Leave plenty of time for your journey. Rushing and stress can lead to risk-taking, increasing the likelihood of road rage.

Not as cool as ICE

Interestingly, the increasing popularity of electric cars has led to a new source of conflict, as drivers queue and jostle for position at EV charging stations.

Many electric car owners are also angered by the sight of petrol or diesel cars – or even plug-in hybrids – parked in dedicated EV bays (a faux pas known as ‘ICEing’).

Above all, remain calm and polite, and try to avoid situations that could cause conflict. These are good rules for life, of course, as well as for life on the road.

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Most Gen Z drivers feel anxious about using petrol stations

By

John Redfern

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September 1, 2025

1

The task of heading to a petrol station to refuel causes anxiety for 39 percent of UK car drivers.

Anxiousness about refuelling is even greater among younger drivers, with almost two thirds (62 percent) of Gen Z-ers reporting their worries.

The new survey, commissioned by online car retailer Cazoo, questioned some 2,000 drivers about their feelings towards refuelling and petrol stations.

It uncovered that ‘refuel fear’ was surprisingly widespread. It had even caused some drivers to consider switching to an electric car to avoid dealing with petrol stations.

Gen Z the most worried about refuelling

Female survey respondents were more likely to report anxiety at the thought of refuelling than men. Just under half (46 percent) of women said they had experienced ‘refuel fear’, compared to approximately a third (32 percent) of male drivers.

While Gen Z-ers (those born between 1997 and 2012) reported the highest level of ‘refuel fear’, only 18 percent of Baby Boomers (born from 1946 to 1964) said they had anxiety about petrol stations.

The leading cause of ‘refuel fear’ was the cost of petrol or diesel. This was a factor for almost half (49 percent) of those who said refuelling caused them anxiety.

Ensuring they get their car close enough to a pump was a worry for 40 percent, followed by concerns about queues (31 percent) and confusion about pump types (30 percent).

Electric vehicles could hold the answer

This anxiety has a genuine impact on drivers. Half of those anxious about refuelling admitted they had let their fuel tank run ‘dangerously low’ to avoid visiting a petrol station.

Even more worrying, almost a quarter (24 percent) said they had run out of fuel completely due to their level of anxiety.

A switch to an electric car could be the answer, though, with close to a third (31 percent) saying they would drive an EV to avoid petrol stations.

Cazoo’s Harry Waring commented: “Filling up may seem like a simple everyday task to many, but our research shows it’s a genuine source of anxiety for millions of drivers – particularly those that are younger or less experienced.

“It’s not just about the rising cost of fuel, but also confidence, social pressure and the fear of making a mistake in a public setting.”

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Mercedes-AMG F1 uses EV truck for trip from UK to Dutch GP

By

John Redfern

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September 1, 2025

0

The Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team has made use of a battery powered truck to transport its cars to the Dutch Grand Prix.

Following a successful test at this year’s British Grand Prix, the team opted to use the Mercedes-Benz Trucks eActros 600 for the journey to Zandvoort in the Netherlands.

The electric eActros 600 was given the important responsibility of hauling the transporter containing the team’s Mercedes-AMG F1 W16 E Performance cars.

It makes Mercedes the first team on the Formula 1 grid to make use of a battery electric truck to transport its cars for a European race weekend.

Electric for the long haul

Being fitted with three Lithium Ion Phosphate battery packs gives the eActros 600 a combined capacity of 600kWh.

When fully charged, this gives the eActros 600 a minimum range of 311 miles.

However, with the Dutch race track being some 418 miles from the Mercedes team’s base in Brackley, charging was required en route to reach Zandvoort.

Thankfully, the eActros 600 is fitted with rapid-charging technology as standard. This means it can replenish its batteries from 20 to 80 percent in just 25 minutes.

Pushing the boundaries of logistics

Since 2022, the team has made use of HVO100 biofuel to power its truck fleet, as part of a plan to reach Net Zero by 2030.

However, the Dutch Grand Prix test of the eActros 600 helps the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team move closer to its plans for using an electric fleet across all European races.

A battery electric truck is noted at reducing CO2e emissions by 80 percent against a diesel-powered equivalent, when measured across a full vehicle lifecycle.

Ash Armstrong, eConsultancy Manager, Daimler Truck UK said: “We are continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible with battery electric trucks. Our partnership with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team is key in demonstrating that sustainable, long-haul distribution has arrived with our eActros 600.

“We could not be more thrilled that one of our eActros 600 trucks has been used to transport the team’s W16 cars from Brackley to Zandvoort.

“We are extremely proud to showcase the impressive range and capability of this truck. It just goes to show that the era of electrification is upon us and range anxiety is no longer an issue.”

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New IndyCar documentary series to premiere this weekend

By

John Redfern

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August 29, 2025

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A brand-new IndyCar documentary series is set to make its debut on Fox Nation this weekend, coinciding with the final round of the 2025 season.

Road to the IndyCar Championship will cover the inside story on the battle to be the 2025 NTT IndyCar Series champion.

It follows on from the third season of 100 Days to Indy, which placed its focus upon the build-up to the flagship 2025 Indy 500.

The first episode of Road to the IndyCar Championship will be available to stream on Fox Nation from Sunday, August 31 2025, coinciding with the final race of 2025 IndyCar season.

Going behind the scenes at 200mph

A total of three episodes of the new series will be made available, with new episodes airing weekly.

This will cover the IndyCar paddock’s reaction to the Indy 500 results, through to the season-closing Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix in Nashville.

In keeping with the direction taken by 100 Days to Indy, the new documentary series recaps the key talking points from the season, and includes insight from Fox Sports broadcasters such as Will Buxton, James Hinchcliffe, and Kevin Lee.

This is combined with candid interviews with IndyCar drivers, such as the formidable Alex Palou, and a behind-the-scenes look at their lives off the race track.

Increasing the love for IndyCar

Such a documentary format will be familiar to those who have watched Netflix’s successful Drive to Survive series, which covers the Formula 1 World Championship.

IndyCar is looking to emulate the global audience growth seen in Formula 1, with an ambitious plan to increase the reach of the open-wheel format and, in particular, boost engagement with younger fans.

The launch of Road to the IndyCar Championship coincides with the first year of Fox Sports acting as the official broadcaster of the IndyCar series.

In addition, earlier this year, Fox Corporation announced it had purchased a one-third stake in Penske Entertainment, which includes the IndyCar series and Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Delivering greater behind-the-scenes insight with a new documentary is part of the strategy to build engagement, which also includes plans for a new series of IndyCar video games, beginning next year.

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