The most expensive car parts sold on eBay in 2024

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August 21, 2024

Online marketplace eBay has revealed the most expensive car parts bought on its website so far this year.

The top 10 items include complete car engines and gearboxes, along with interior parts and personalised registration numbers.

Laura Richards of eBay car parts and accessories commented: “Like a lot of eBay users, we are passionate car enthusiasts at heart. We see some incredible listings being posted, and subsequently sold, on eBay. It’s always interesting to see what sells on the site.”

Free shipping (hopefully) included

Taking the prize for the most expensive item purchased on eBay in 2024 is a 5.2-litre V10 engine from an Audi R8.

With just under 36,000 miles recorded, a total of £16,657 was paid for the complete 10-cylinder engine. Sadly, eBay does not know where the R8 block has ended up. We’ll keep our eyes peeled for an epic V10 conversion…

In second place behind the R8 engine, with a sale price of £13,086, was a pair of carbon fibre seats. Taken from a 991-generation Porsche 911 GT3, the lightweight buckets shave 20kg compared to the regular GT3 seats, and provide an authentic motorsport look.

A similar set of carbon fibre seats, originally fitted to a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4, completed the top three. They sold for £11,962 on eBay.

Tesla fans spend big

In contrast to the performance parts atop the eBay podium, fourth place is occupied by a high-voltage battery for a Tesla Model S, sold for £8,606.

An identical £8,606 was also paid for another Tesla-related item. A dedicated member of the Teslarati, or perhaps Elon Musk himself, purchased the private registration plate ‘ELON X’ – or ‘E1 ONX’ when spaced correctly.

The full list of the top 10 parts sold on eBay in 2024 is below:

Audi R8 V10 engine – £16,567
Porsche 911 GT3 carbon fibre seats – £13,086
Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 carbon fibre seats – £11,962
Tesla Model S high-voltage battery – £8,606
‘ELONX’ private registration – £8,606
Ferrari 512 TR leather luggage set – £8,518
‘DIESEL’ private registration – £8,134
Range Rover V8 engine – £7,884
Porsche 911 Turbo S PDK gearbox – £7,650
Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG engine and gearbox – £7,650

New Mercedes-AMG SL gets the ultra-luxury Maybach treatment

By

John Redfern

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August 21, 2024

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The Mercedes-Benz SL is one of the most celebrated cars in the German marque’s back-catalogue, with a history that stretches back to the 1950s.

Now the latest generation of the iconic roadster has been treated to a luxurious makeover by Maybach.

The result is the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680, launched at Monterey Car Week with a striking ‘Monogram Series Red Ambience’ special edition.

According to the boss of Mercedes-Maybach, Daniel Lescow, the new SL 680 demonstrates “everything that characterises a Mercedes-Maybach”.

The sportiest Maybach to date is based on the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 roadster. This means a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 that serves up 585hp and 590lb ft of torque, combined with 4Matic all-wheel drive.

The Maybach enhancements actually make the SL 680 marginally slower. Accelerating from 0-62mph takes 4.1 seconds, versus 3.6 seconds for the regular AMG version. Top speed is also electronically limited to 161mph, rather than 196mph.

Maybach has tuned the exhaust to be less raucous, and given the accelerator pedal a smoother action. Clearly, refinement is the order of the day, rather than outright performance.

Chrome and rose gold

A choice of two-tone liveries will be offered as standard, although buyers will be able to specify other colours.

The Monogram Series Red Ambience, seen here, features Obsidian Black metallic over bespoke Garnet Red metallic. Alternatively, the Monogram Series White Ambience features Obsidian Black and Opalite White Magno.

A chrome strip stretches the length of the bonnet, which can be decorated with a Maybach logo pattern. A chrome Mercedes-Benz badge presides above a bold chrome grille.

More chrome covers the windscreen surround, side sills and inserts on the front bumper. Buyers can choose between two designs of 21-inch forged alloy wheels, too.

As a finishing touch, the insides of the SL’s headlights are detailed with rose gold, while the tail lights feature a Maybach logo.

A bespoke Maybach interior

On the inside, the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 features acres of Crystal White Nappa leather upholstery. This swathes the door panels, centre console and seats, with the latter including a floral design.

Maybach-specific graphics are displayed on the digital instrument panel and central touchscreen, plus there is a unique Maybach steering wheel and more chrome trim.

For those who want the most ostentatious Mercedes SL to date, orders for European markets are expected to open in spring 2025.

New Maserati GT2 Stradale is an MC20 racer for the road

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John Redfern

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August 19, 2024

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Maserati has pulled the wraps off a new track-focused supercar. The MC20-based GT2 Stradale made its world debut as part of Monterey Car Week in California.

Designed with circuit use in mind, Maserati has created an extreme version of its flagship MC20, with direct inspiration from the marque’s latest GT2 race car.

More horsepower, and a programme of weight reduction, should ensure the wild GT2 Stradale heightens the mid-engined Maserati experience.

GT2 racer for the road

Maserati has tuned the 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged ‘Nettuno’ V6 engine for an additional 10hp, lifting total output to 640hp. The eight-speed dual-clutch transmission is retained, sending its power to the rear wheels only.

An exclusive new Corsa (track) mode allows drivers to tailor the level of assistance from the car’s electronic systems.

Aerodynamic enhancements, including louvred front wings, a redesigned rear diffuser and a fixed rear wing, were all inspired by the GT2 race car. Combined, they generate up to 500kg of downforce at 174mph.

Thanks to lightweight materials, the GT2 Stradale also sheds 60kg in weight compared to a regular Maserati MC20.

Inside the GT2 Stradale

The combination of extra power and the 60kg diet means a 0-62mph time of just 2.8 seconds: 0.1 seconds quicker than the MC20. Top speed remains in excess of 200mph.

On the inside, the GT2 Stradale comes with a pair of carbon fibre race-style seats, trimmed in Alcantara. More grippy Alcantara is used on the steering wheel, which features integrated gear shift lights.

For the complete track day feel, Maserati replaces the normal door handles with lightweight fabric pulls. There is a GT2 Stradale badge on the dashboard, too.

Maserati will offer a host of personalisation options, including paint colours from its bespoke Fuoriserie range, along with extra carbon fibre trim for the cabin.

The epitome of racing DNA

Davide Grasso, Maserati CEO said: “The Maserati GT2 Stradale is a unique product, bringing together as it does the brand’s greatest sporting heritage, and at the same time representing evolution of one of Maserati’s most iconic vehicles: the MC20 halo car.

“This model, intended for everyday driving, was created based on the desire to offer our customers more and more in terms of technical mastery, innovation, design and emotions in road driving. On the one hand, we find sophisticated solutions reserved for models designed for track use only, the epitome of Maserati’s racing DNA. On the other, we can guarantee optimal comfort paired with all the most advanced driver assistance systems.”

Maserati has not confirmed UK prices or allocation for the GT2 Stradale. However, for those who want to visualise their new supercar, it now appears on the marque’s online configurator.

Lamborghini Temerario has a 920hp V8 and revs to 10,000rpm

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John Redfern

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August 19, 2024

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Lamborghini has used Monterey Car Week to reveal its replacement for the Huracan – and bid farewell to the naturally aspirated V10 engine.

The Lamborghini Temerario becomes the Italian marque’s new ‘junior’ supercar, slotting into the range beneath the V12 Revuelto.

As per long-standing Lamborghini tradition, the Temerario is named in honour of a famous fighting bull.

However, the Temerario’s powertrain is completely up-to-date, bringing plug-in hybrid technology to the entry-level Lamborghini supercar.

Bringing the noise

At the heart of the mid-engined Temerario is an all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8. This produces 800hp by itself, and is capable of revving to an incredible 10,000rpm.

The V8 is complemented by a trio of electric motors. One sits between the engine and eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, while two more power the front axle to provide all-wheel drive.

In total, the Temerario’s powertrain can generate 920hp and 590lb ft of torque. This makes for a substantial leap versus the naturally aspirated, V10-powered Huracan, which could muster a maximum of 640hp.

The Temerario can accelerate from 0-62mph in 2.7 seconds, and reach a top speed of more than 210mph.

Although many will mourn the loss of the bombastic Lamborghini V10, the company says the new flat-plane crank V8 will deliver a ‘unique and unmistakable audio experience’.

Inside the Lamborghini Temerario

There is no mistaking the Temerario’s heritage when it comes to exterior design, with clear elements of the Gallardo and Huracan both visible. Yet the Temerario also includes new thinking, such as a roof that deliberately channels air towards the rear wing.

On the inside, the Temerario is an obvious leap forward compared to the Huracan, which originally made its debut in 2014.

A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel ensures the driver has all the information they need, and is supported by a 8.4-inch central touchscreen. The passenger benefits from their own 9.1-inch display, too.

The hybrid powertrain makes the Temerario heavier than its predecessor, but it is a larger car inside. Headroom has increased by 34mm, with legroom stretched by 46mm.

Customise your Temerario

To help offset the Temerario’s heftier 1,690kg weight (measured ‘dry’, without fluids), Lamborghini will offer an ‘Alleggerita’ (lightweight) package.

A reduction of 12.65kg comes from exterior carbon fibre trim. Adding carbon fibre wheels and a titanium exhaust takes the total saving to 25kg.

The Alleggerita pack also boosts downforce to 158 percent more than the Huracan, versus an increase of 103 percent for the regular Temerario.

Personalisation options for the Temerario include a choice of more than 400 paint colours, including the brand new Blu Marinus and Verde Mercurius options.

Hybrid hopes for the future

Creating the first mid-engined Lamborghini supercar with a V8 since the Jalpa represents something of a gamble for the marque.

However, the success of the Urus SUV demonstrates that enthusiasts will flock to the bull-badged cars whatever their cylinder-count.

Stephan Winkelmann, chairman and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, said: “Every new Lamborghini must surpass its forerunners in performance terms, while at the same time being more sustainable from an emissions standpoint.

“With the Temerario, we have completed a key chapter in the electrification strategy included in our Direzione Cor Tauri plan: we also become the first luxury automotive brand to offer a completely hybridised range.”

Production of the Temerario is expected to commence in 2025. In the meantime, come back to Motoring Research for our first drive verdict.

Porsche 911 Turbo celebrates 50 years with retro special edition

By

John Redfern

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August 19, 2024

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After 60 years of the Porsche 911 in 2023, this year sees the flagship 911 Turbo celebrate its 50th anniversary. And the folk in Stuttgart have not let the occasion pass unnoticed.

Porsche announced the aptly-named 911 Turbo 50 Years edition at the glamorous Monterey Car Week in California.

Production will be limited to 1,974 examples, in recognition of the year the original, 930-generation 911 Turbo went on sale.

The special model channels influences from the 911 RSR Turbo concept car (shown at the 1973 Frankfurt Motor Show) and debuts an exclusive new paint colour.

50 years of big boost

Turbonite paint is used for the first time on a 911, applied to the engine inlays, fuel cap, Porsche logo and 50 Years badge. The Turbo S Exclusive Design alloy wheels get the Turbonite treatment, too.

Bold vinyl graphics on the car’s flanks are an obvious nod to the original 911 Turbo concept, while the engine lid features a special ‘Turbo 50’ model badge.

Inside, McKenzie tartan covers the seat inserts and door trim, with contrasting trim elements finished in Turbonite. An aluminium plaque above the glovebox bears the individual production number of each car.

Buyers can also opt for a Heritage Design package, with Aventurine Green paintwork, gold exterior badges and even more tartan trim inside the cabin.

Based on a 992 Turbo S

The 50 Years edition is based on the current 992 Turbo S. There’s no additional power, but the boosted 3.7-litre flat-six summons a more-than-adequate 650hp and 590lb ft of torque.

Standard all-wheel drive and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission mean a 0-62mph time of just 2.7 seconds. Carbon-ceramic brakes and a sports exhaust system with black tailpipes are included as well.

Porsche is accepting orders for the 911 Turbo 50 Years now, with the first cars expected to be delivered in the autumn of this year.

Buyers will be able to purchase a matching chronograph created by Porsche Design Timepieces. Like the car, the watch is limited to 1,974 examples.

Porsche 993 Speedster revealed

Porsche was clearly in a nostalgic mood at this year’s Monterey Car Week, where it also displayed a unique 911 Speedster. Commissioned by Porsche enthusiast Luca Trazzi, the yellow drop-top took the bespoke ‘Sonderwunsch’ (special wishes) department three years to build.

A Speedster version of the 993-generation 911 was never officially sold, although two individual cars have been built previously – including one for Jerry Seinfeld. Trazzi’s 993 Speedster is unique, however, with individual design elements and a one-off ‘Otto Yellow’ paint colour.

Daytime time running lights, Apple CarPlay compatibility and illuminated door sill trims help to update the open-air 993.

“In this form, and with this vast range of modifications, the 911 Speedster is our first factory one-off for an end customer,” said Alexander Fabig, vice president of Individualisation and Classic at Porsche. “This car shows what is possible with our Sonderwunsch programme.”

Rolls-Royce debuts limited edition Phantom at Monterey Car Week

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John Redfern

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August 16, 2024

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Rolls-Royce has used the prestigious Monterey Car Week in California to announce a limited-edition version of its flagship Phantom saloon.

The Phantom Scintilla Private Collection is designed to be a celebration of the Spirit of Ecstasy – the mascot used by Rolls-Royce for more than a century.

Even by the company’s own lofty standards, the 10 examples of the Phantom Scintilla push the boundaries of interior design and craftsmanship.

Marble arts

The Spirit of Ecstasy was originally designed by sculptor and illustrator Charles Sykes in 1910. Commissioned by Rolls-Royce’s managing director at the time, Claude Johnson, it was inspired by an ancient Greek statue.

Although the finished Spirit of Ecstasy differed from Johnson’s initial idea, it has become a recognisable and world-famous symbol of the Rolls-Royce marque.

For the Phantom Scintilla, Rolls-Royce designers have crafted a Spirit of Ecstasy from ceramic material that emulates the fine-grained white Parian marble used by the ancient Greeks.

The exterior paint colours offer more Greek references, with the car’s upper body in Andalusian White and the lower body in Thracian Blue. The metallic flake for the latter is said to mimic the ‘sparkle of sunlight on water’.

Doors to adore

Inside, the Phantom Scintilla uses elements to create a ‘continuous graphic’ inspired by the Spirit of Ecstasy’s elegant form.

Its cabin contains an incredible 869,500 fabric stitches, with the interior door panels said to be the most complex ever made for a Rolls-Royce.

More than 40 hours are needed to complete the door panels on each car, requiring 633,000 stitches that combine Blue Grey, Arctic White, Spirit Blue, Powder Blue and Pastel Yellow threads.

Brienny Dudley, bespoke craft specialist at Rolls-Royce, commented: “Translating this design into a three-dimensional form was a wonderful creative challenge, requiring more than two-and-a-half years of close collaboration with our Bespoke design team to achieve the right level of detail, texture and tactility in the embroidery”.

Celestial dreams included

Other special details inside the Phantom Scintilla include the ‘Celestial Pulse’ artwork fitted to the ‘gallery’ on the passenger side of the dashboard.

It comprises seven ribbons of aluminium, each individually milled from solid billet, which are finished with the same ceramic material as the Spirit of Ecstasy mascot.

Rolls-Royce has given the Phantom Scintilla a bespoke ‘Starlight’ illuminated headliner. A set of 1,500 fibre optic ‘stars’ create a unique constellation, which illuminates in sequence to create the impression of movement.

‘Grace, dynamism and ethereal beauty’

As a finishing touch, Claude Johnson’s original brief for a Rolls-Royce mascot is displayed on a plaque inside the glovebox. The embossed metal plate reads: ‘Speed with silence, the absence of vibration, the mysterious harnessing of great energy, and a beautiful living organism of superb grace’.

In typical Rolls-Royce fashion, the press release contains no mention of how much buying a Phantom Scintilla Private Collection will cost.

However, those interested in purchasing one of the 10 cars can make enquiries through the Rolls-Royce Private Office.

Ultimate fast family car? The BMW M5 Touring makes a comeback

By

John Redfern

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August 16, 2024

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Fans of fast estate cars rejoice! The BMW M5 Touring has returned for the first time since 2010.

With a prodigious output of 727hp, and ability to carry up to 1,630 litres of luggage, BMW will hope its most extreme estate fulfils the ‘all the car you need’ brief with ease.

BMW has dabbled with Touring versions of the M5 before. It sold an estate version of the E34-generation model between 1992 and 1995. And more recently, an F1-inspired, V10-engined E60 M5 Touring was launched in 2007.

Only 1,025 examples of the previous M5 Touring were sold, which may explain BMW’s delay in building another. However, the brand new M5 estate will be sold in North America for the first time, which is expected to boost demand.

Heavyweight engineering

Developed alongside its saloon counterpart, the 2025 M5 Touring makes use of a hybrid-assisted 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8. Maximum outputs are 727hp and 738lb ft of torque.

BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system is combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The complete package tips the scales at 2,435kg.

Accelerating from 0-62mph in the M5 Touring takes 3.6 seconds – 0.1 seconds slower than the saloon. Top speed remains limited to 155mph, or 189mph with the optional M Driver’s Package.

As with the saloon, a tow bar can be specified for the M5 Touring, with the potential to haul braked trailers that weigh up to 2,000kg.

Speed and practicality

For any performance estate car, the key is to combine speed and practicality. And the 2024 M5 looks unlikely to disappoint there.

Compared to 436 litres in the M5 saloon, the Touring version boasts a luggage capacity of 500 litres with the rear seats in place. Drop these down with a 40:20:40 split, however, and boot space swells to 1,630 litres.

A through-loading facility is fitted as standard, along with a hands-free power-operated tailgate.

As with the BMW M5 saloon, other special features include high-backed M multi-function sports seats, a Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound audio system and satellite navigation with augmented reality.

Order book now open

Following its debut at Monterey Car Week in California, BMW is accepting orders for the M5 Touring now.

Production will begin at BMW’s Dingolfing plant in November this year, with the first deliveries to UK customers expected in early 2025.

UK prices for the BMW M5 Touring start from £113,405 on the road: a £2,000 premium over the four-door M5 saloon.

M5 Touring buyers will be able to specify a panoramic glass sunroof, along with a host of M Performance parts for extra personalisation.

The European driving laws you should know about

By

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

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August 16, 2024

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The Highway Code explains the rules of the road for drivers in the United Kingdom. But how about motoring laws in other parts of Europe? If you plan to drive abroad this summer, read on…

Many European road rules are straightforward and predictable. Speed limits, wearing a seatbelt, not using a handheld mobile phone at the wheel, and so on. Driving on the right is a given, too. Or is it? Do so in Cyprus, Ireland or Malta and you’ll be on the wrong side of the road.

For UK motorists, there have also been rule-changes since Britain left the European Union. For instance, you may need an international driving permit if you have a driving licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man.

Also, you must display a ‘UK’ sticker – not one of the older ‘GB’ stickers – if your car’s number plates don’t have a UK identifier or a Union Jack symbol.

It’s also worth downloading the European Union’s ‘Going Abroad’ smartphone app, which details the important road safety rules in the different countries.

Alternatively, you could use the interactive map, which includes EU member states and other European nations. Click on the relevant country for info on speed limits, permitted blood-alcohol levels, traffic light operation and more.

You can also find a brief guide to driving in the EU on the UK Government’s official Gov.uk website.

Lesser known Euro driving rules

Drivers more likely to be breathalysed in Europe

Now let’s reveal a dozen of the more unusual European road rules. Bear these in mind if you’re planning to cross the English Channel this summer.

Remove your headphones – France and Spain. You’re not permitted to drive while wearing headphones, regardless of whether they’re connected to music or for making phone calls.

Mind your manners – Cyprus and Germany. Rude or offensive hand gestures could result in a steep fine.

Carry spare glasses – Portugal, Spain and Switzerland. If you require glasses to drive a car, you must carry a spare pair on the Iberian Peninsula or in Switzerland.

Reversing with hazard lights – Slovenia. You must use hazard warning lights when reversing in Slovenia.

Get a permit – Italy. You require a special permit to drive through some historical areas in Italy.

Steer clear of snacks – Cyprus. You must not eat or drink behind the wheel in Cyprus.

Watch your fuel – Germany and Portugal. It’s illegal to run out of fuel on a German autobahn. Meanwhile, carrying cans of petrol is banned in Portugal.

No off-road driving – Iceland. It is illegal to venture beyond the boundary of a road in Iceland unless there’s a specific parking area.

No smoking – Greece. You can be fined €1,500 for smoking behind the wheel in Greece, or €3,000 if there are children in the car.

Carry a rope – Serbia. You must carry a tow bar and three metres of rope when driving in Serbia.

Engine off by the railway – Germany. Drivers must switch off their engines when queuing at a level crossing in Germany. Not an issue in modern cars equipped with stop-start technology, of course.

Skoda matches Golf GTI with most powerful Octavia vRS yet

By

John Redfern

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August 15, 2024

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Skoda has updated the Octavia vRS hot hatchback and estate models for 2024, including a boost in engine power.

The fourth-generation Octavia vRS retains a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, now with an additional 20hp.

This increases peak output to 265hp, along with 273lb ft of torque. It means the Octavia vRS now matches the related Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Along with achieving horsepower parity with the related Golf GTI, this latest model is also the Czech marque’s most powerful Octavia vRS yet.

Pace and space

As part of the update, Skoda has discontinued the frugal, diesel-powered Octavia vRS. And it has given no word on a replacement for the plug-in hybrid Octavia vRS iV. For now, petrol power – with the potential for 40.8mpg – is the only option.

A seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic is now the only transmission offered for the Octavia vRS, too. The six-speed manual ‘box is no longer available.

Driving the front wheels through a ‘VAQ’ electrohydraulic differential lock, the official 0-62mph time is 6.4 seconds for the Octavia vRS hatchback, or 0.1 seconds slower for the estate. Top speed for both models is limited to 155mph.

On paper, this means the Octavia vRS remains slower than the Golf GTI, which posts a 0-62mph time of 5.9 seconds. On the road, the gap is likely to feel much narrower.

Czech it out

As part of a mild facelift that covers the whole Octavia range, the vRS gains reprofiled front and rear bumpers. Skoda has also updated the design of the vRS logo applied to the black front grille, and fitted new 19-inch ‘Elias’ alloy wheels.

Inside, electrically adjustable sports seats, aluminium pedals and a vRS-branded three-spoke steering wheel are all included. An updated 13.0-inch infotainment touchscreen is (thankfully) said to be easier to use.

UK orders for the new Octavia vRS are open now. Prices start at £38,670 for the hatchback, with the estate costing £39,775. For comparison, you can expect to pay at least £38,900 for the latest Golf GTI.

New VW Golf GTI Clubsport and Golf R prices and specs revealed

By

John Redfern

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August 14, 2024

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Volkswagen has announced UK prices for the new Mk8.5 Golf GTI Clubsport, following a dramatic reveal event earlier this year.

Launched at the Nurburgring 24 Hour race, the GTI Clubsport has been developed to tackle the notorious German race track, and is available to order now

Along with the GTI Clubsport, Volkswagen has confirmed UK prices and specifications for the Mk8.5 Golf R and R Black Edition hot hatchbacks.

A new King of the ‘Ring

The association with the Nurburgring means the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport offers a ‘Special’ driving mode. This was tuned to optimise the car for swift progress around the Nordschleife circuit.

Power comes from the familiar ‘EA888’ 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which serves up 300hp and a top speed of 155mph. Choosing the optional GTI Performance Package (£3,280) adds an Akrapovic titanium exhaust and increases the car’s maximum speed to 167mph.

Volkswagen includes LED matrix headlights, three-zone climate control and a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission as standard. On-the-road prices for the Golf GTI Clubsport start at £41,655.

Golf R powers up

Although the updated 2024 Golf R looks similar to its predecessor, Volkswagen has made plenty of detailed changes beneath the surface.

Notably, the all-wheel-drive Golf R now serves up 333hp from its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This represents an extra 13hp over the outgoing model, making this one of the hottest Golfs ever made.

The 0-62mph sprint takes 4.6 seconds, with a 155mph limited top speed. As with the GTI Clubsport, an optional Performance Package stretches this to 167mph.

Priced from £43,320 in hatchback guise, or £44,685 as an estate, the Golf R comes with LED tail lights and an updated infotainment system with ChatGPT artificial intelligence.

Back in black

Taking the prize as the most expensive Golf currently on sale is the R Black Edition. Offered solely as a hatchback, prices start at £44,570.

The Volkswagen Golf R Black Edition comes with 19-inch gloss black alloy wheels, black exterior badges, black brake calipers and darkened exhaust tailpipes. Paint colours other than black are available, however.

Choosing the R Black Edition sees the Performance Package included as standard, along with a larger rear spoiler. The result is a top speed of 168mph, and there is even a Drift setting included amongst the drive modes.

As with the GTI Clubsport, all versions of the new Golf R are available to order now.

Free shipping (hopefully) included

Tesla fans spend big

Less speed, more refinement

Chrome and rose gold

A bespoke Maybach interior

GT2 racer for the road

Inside the GT2 Stradale

The epitome of racing DNA

Bringing the noise

Inside the Lamborghini Temerario

Customise your Temerario

Hybrid hopes for the future

50 years of big boost

Based on a 992 Turbo S

Porsche 993 Speedster revealed

Marble arts

Doors to adore

Celestial dreams included

‘Grace, dynamism and ethereal beauty’

Heavyweight engineering

Speed and practicality

Order book now open

Lesser known Euro driving rules

Pace and space

Czech it out

A new King of the ‘Ring

Golf R powers up

Back in black