What are Clean Air Zones and what are classes A, B, C and D?

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August 28, 2024

A Clean Air Zone (CAZ) is defined as an area, usually within a city or urban location, in which targeted action has been taken to improve air quality.

Clean Air Zones aim to address all sources of air pollution, including nitrogen dioxide and particulates, reducing public’s exposure to them. Oxford has recently gone one further by introducing a full Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) in the city.

Here, we’ll explain the different categories of CAZ, along with what the ZEZ means for Oxford.

Non-charging Clean Air Zones

These are geographic areas, normally city centres, used as a focus for action to improve air quality. The are various measures open to the local authority, but charging a fee for entry into the CAZ isn’t one of them.

Charging Clean Air Zones

These are zones where motorists are required to pay a fee to enter or move within an area if they are driving a vehicle that does not meet a particular ‘Euro’ exhaust emissions standard.

Classes of Clean Air Zones

There are four classes of Clean Air Zone – A, B, C and D – and a local authority can decide what level of restrictions to apply.

Note: Class D is the only CAZ to include cars.

Class A: buses, coaches, taxis and private hire vehicles:
- Buses and coaches: Euro 6
- Taxis and private hire vehicles: Euro 6 (diesel) and Euro 4 (petrol)
Class B: buses, coaches, taxis, priviate hire vehicles and HGVs:
- Buses, coaches and HGVs: Euro 6
- Taxis and private hire vehicles: Euro 6 (diesel) and Euro 4 (petrol)
Class C: buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, HGVs and LGVs:
- Buses, coaches and HGVs: Euro 6
- Large vans, minibuses, LGVs, taxis and private hire vehicles: Euro 6 (diesel) and Euro 4 (petrol)
Class D: buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, HGVs, LGVs and cars:
- Cars: Euro 4 (petrol), Euro 6 (diesel)
- Buses, coaches and HGVs: Euro 6
- Large vans, minibuses, LGVs, taxis and private hire vehicles: Euro 6 (diesel) and Euro 4 (petrol)
- Motorcycles and mopeds (optional): Euro 3

This is just an overview of the different classes. For a more in-depth description, read the government’s framework.

Where are Clean Air Zones?

A number of cities were required by the government to either reduce air pollution or carry out feasibility studies to determine whether or not a CAZ was required.

Here, we list all the schemes that are currently live or set to go ahead in 2022.

Bath

Bath has introduced a Class C Clean Air Zone, meaning charges only apply to taxis, vans, buses, coaches and HGVs that do not meet the required emission standards. Drivers of private cars and motorcycle riders don’t have to pay, even if using their vehicle for work.

Birmingham

The Birmingham Clean Air Zone went live on 1 June 2021. It covers everywhere within the A4540 Middleway ring road – but not the Middleway itself.

Non-compliant cars, taxis and LGVs will be subject to a daily charge of £8, rising to £50 per day for HGVs, coaches and buses. Failure to pay the charge results in a £120 fine, which is reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.

The City is working with car supermarket Motorpoint to offer those who work within the CAZ a £2,000 scrappage scheme to trade in their non-compliant car.

Click here for more information on the Birmingham CAZ and how it affects you.

Bradford

Bradford is introducing a Class C+ Clean Air Zone in spring 2022. It covers the area inside – and including – the Bradford outer ring road. It also extends out along the Aire Valley corridor to include Shipley and Saltare – here’s a full map of the Bradford Clean Air Zone.

The lead-in period was extended but the city has now launched its Breathe Better Bradford website with all the information.

Bristol

Bristol plans to introduce a Class D Clean Air Zone in summer 2022. The planned charge will be £9 per day for private cars, rising to £100 for coaches and HGVs. Bristol City Council says it will allow drivers of older cars to apply for a one-year exemption from the charge.

Greater Manchester

The Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone goes live on 30 May 2022. It is a Class C Zone. It will be the largest in England, covering 10 areas: Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, Wigan and the cities of Manchester and Salford.

Greater Manchester leaders are keen to stress private cars, motorbikes and mopeds are not affected by the charge.

Portsmouth

The Portsmouth Clean Air Zone launched on 29 November 2021. It is a Class B Zone.

Other Clean Air Zones

London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) came into force in April 2019, with non-compliant vehicles charged £12.50 for entry into the city.

Sheffield City Council plans to introduce a Class C Clean Air Zone in late 2022, with polluting HGVs, buses, coaches, LGVs and taxis charged to enter the inner ring road and city centre. The city will not charge drivers of private cars, though, saying: “Private cars make up 80 percent of road traffic, but only contribute 50 percent of the pollution”.

Local authorities in the North East have announced plans for a Tyneside charging CAZ and a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in Newcastle. They won a court challenge against the schemes, but the process has been delayed by other legal issues.

Further schemes are also expected in Cambridge, York, Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen. Watch this space.

Will Clean Air Zones become the norm?

With the government under pressure to improve air quality, other towns and cities are expected to introduce Clean Air Zones or their own interpretations of the schemes. In the future, paying a fee to enter an urban area might become the norm rather than the exception.

Dirty air is linked to 40,000 early deaths every year in the UK, with 70 percent of people urging the government to take action.

What is a Zero Emission Zone?

Oxford is the first UK city to introduce a Zero Emission Zone. A pilot scheme went live on 1 March 2022, with a wider scheme covering the whole city centre due to follow next year.

Only pure electric zero-emission cars can enter the ZEZ, which includes Queen Street and Cornmarket, for free. All other vehicles will be charged between £2 and £10 per day, with automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras used to enforce the zone.

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London ULEZ has generated £875 million in revenue since 2019

By

John Redfern

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August 27, 2024

1

An investigation by Peugeot has revealed the vast amount of money generated by London’s Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

Since the ULEZ began operation in April 2019, a total of £875 million in revenue has been raised by the scheme.

In August 2023, Transport for London (TfL) expanded the area covered by the ULEZ, which now incorporates all 32 London boroughs. This brought an additional five million people into the ULEZ area of operation, making it the world’s largest clean air zone.

Since the expansion a year ago, TfL has received £226 million in fees and penalty fine payments charged to the capital’s drivers.

Expanded horizons

Drivers of petrol vehicles that do not meet Euro 6 exhaust emissions standards, and diesel vehicles unable to meet the Euro 4 rules, are required to pay a daily fee of £12.50 to enter the ULEZ.

Unlike the London Congestion Charge, the ULEZ operates 24 hours a day, with nine million residents now covered by it. By law, TfL must use all the surplus revenue generated by the ULEZ for investment into local public transport schemes.

The success of London’s ULEZ has led to 12 more Clean Air Zones, Low Emissions Zones or Zero Emissions Zones being established across the UK.

Given the greater number of such zones in operation, Peugeot is offering a £900 discount to key workers on a new electric vehicle, allowing them to avoid daily, emissions-related charges.

Zoning in on revenue

By analysing data from a number of Freedom of Information Act requests, Peugeot has calculated that the UK’s Clean Air Zones have generated a total of £1.044 billion in revenue.

The research also identified the 10 Clean Air Zones that generate the most income in the UK. In descending order, these are:

London Ultra Low Emission Zone: £875 million
Birmingham Clean Air Zone: £125.27 million
Bradford Clean Air Zone: £16.76 million
Bath Clean Air Zone: £15.23 million
Tyneside Clean Air Zone: £4.77 million
Sheffield Clean Air Zone: £2.81 million
Oxford Zero Emissions Zone: £1.88 million
Portsmouth Clean Air Zone: £1.49 million
Glasgow Low Emission Zone: £1.20 million
Dundee Low Emission Zone: £43,320*

*Only started operation in May 2024

Hyundai is opening a new digital car hub on Amazon

By

John Redfern

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August 27, 2024

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Hyundai has announced a new partnership with online retail giant Amazon. The aim is to help UK consumers learn more about Hyundai cars and SUVs.

A special ‘brand space’ on the Amazon website and smartphone app will provide information about Hyundai’s history, along with details on its latest models.

Adverts within the Amazon online store will also highlight the Hyundai digital hub to raise its profile and increase the number of visitors.

No Prime delivery just yet

Once inside the Hyundai brand space, users will be able to request a test drive of their preferred vehicle.

For now, UK buyers won’t be able to purchase a car directly through the Amazon platform; a visit to their local Hyundai dealer is still needed.

However, this will change for those resident in the United States later this year. Amazon will allow American customers to configure their Hyundai, arrange finance, then have the completed car sent to a dealership of their choice to collect.

Thankfully, this also means there is no need to recycle a car-sized Amazon Prime delivery box…

Add to basket?

Ashley Andrew, president of Hyundai and Genesis UK, commented: “Our partnership with Amazon underscores Hyundai’s dedication to meeting customers where they are most comfortable. By utilising Amazon’s extensive reach and the trust it has built with consumers, we’re bringing Hyundai closer to our customers, enabling them to explore our brand and vision”.

Hyundai is not the first car manufacturer to enter into a partnership with the global e-commerce company, though.

Back in 2018, Volvo used Amazon to offer test drives of the V40 hatchback, delivering cars directly to the home or workplace.

Alfa Romeo followed suit later the same year, working to promote its then-new Stelvio SUV.

Updated 2024 Audi RS3 prices and specs revealed

By

John Redfern

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August 27, 2024

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Audi has announced UK prices and specifications for the revised 2024 RS3 Sportback and Saloon models.

The facelift follows the changes previously announced for the related Audi S3, including sharpened styling, revised chassis settings and even a better-smelling interior. Yes, really.

Audi also says the RS3’s trademark five-cylinder turbocharged engine will sound even more sonorous than before.

Five-cylinder soundtrack

Both the Sportback hatch and Saloon versions of the RS3 come with a redesigned front grille, larger side air intakes and daytime running lights with a chequered flag pattern. A new front splitter is said to be reminiscent of the Audi Sport Quattro S1, raced at Pikes Peak in 1987.

The reprofiled rear diffuser incorporates the oval tailpipes of the sports exhaust, which has been optimised to deliver an even throatier noise. Audi says to expect a ‘fuller-bodied sound’ whichever driving mode is selected.

Buyers will be able to pick from exclusive Kyalami Green and Kemora Grey paint colours, along with Ascari Blue and Progressive Red. A matt Daytona Grey is offered in a matt finish for the first time.

Standard RS3 models come with 19-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels, while Carbon Black and Carbon Vorsprung versions use a 10-spoke design.

Drifting action encouraged

Audi Sport’s 2.5-cylinder engine remains unchanged, with 400hp and 369lb ft of torque on offer. Quattro all-wheel drive is standard, of course, combined with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

This allows for a 0-62mph time of 3.8 seconds, plus a top speed of 155mph. Choosing the top-spec Carbon Vorsprung model increases the maximum to 174mph.

A standard torque splitter can shuffle drive between the axles, and works with adaptive suspension dampers to improve the RS3’s agility. Understeer is said to be reduced, and oversteer encouraged – with drivers able to ‘obtain the same drift angle faster’.

New performance displays for the 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and 10.1-inch central touchscreen can show lap times, power output and component temperatures. Motorsport-style gear shift lights are displayed when using the manual paddles, too.

‘The smell of excellence’

A new ‘double-flattened’ steering wheel is fitted, along with RS sports seats that are said to be more supportive. Audi has even analysed the 200 interior components used in the RS3, choosing materials that should make the smell of the Nappa leather more pleasant.

Prices for the Audi RS3 Sportback start from £59,510, with the mid-range Carbon Black version priced at £64,160. The top-specification Carbon Vorsprung will require £68,560.

Opting for the RS3 in four-door Saloon form adds an extra £1,000 to the price. Orders for both versions can be placed from next month.

Skoda builds modified Superb Estate ‘Sleeper Edition’ with 477hp

By

John Redfern

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August 22, 2024

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Skoda UK has unveiled a special modified version of the Superb Estate, complete with a huge hike in horsepower.

The wonderfully named ‘Sleeper Edition’ has received a comprehensive set of upgrades, elevating its performance, handling and braking abilities.

From the outside, only the most ardent Skoda enthusiast might realise that something more potent lurks beneath the Superb’s Royal Green paintwork.

This leads to the ‘Sleeper’ name – often used for cars that hide their modifications beneath a standard exterior.

Truly Superb performance

Skoda used a flagship Laurin & Klement model, equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine, as the basis for the Sleeper Edition.

In standard form, this engine produces a healthy 280hp – making the Superb the fastest and most powerful production Skoda when first launched in 2016.

A trip to RE Performance has endowed the Superb with an upgraded turbocharger, revised fuel system, new intercooler and improved air intake. A custom-made exhaust system is fitted for good measure.

The result is a mighty 477hp, combined with 488lb ft of torque, which is sent through the Superb’s standard all-wheel-drive system.

Inside the Superb Sleeper Edition

Along with its upgraded engine, the Superb Sleeper Edition rides on adjustable KW coilover suspension.

This gives the car a purposeful stance on standard 19-inch alloy wheels, which have huge AP Racing brakes lurking behind them.

The lower ride height and red brake calipers are the only hints to the performance on offer. No modifications have been made to the car’s body, which wears Royal Green paint, The colour was introduced to the UK range in 2023 to mark the coronation of King Charles III.

On the inside, the Sleeper Edition has sumptuous Cognac leather upholstery, plus features such as a driver’s seat with massage function. Three-zone climate control, integrated wi-fi and a Canton sound system are all included.

A fitting finale

Boot capacity remains at 660 litres, or 1,950 litres with the rear seats folded down. So creating the Sleeper Edition has not affected the practicality the Superb Estate is known for.

Some 860,000 examples of the third-generation Superb have been produced since it went on sale, accounting for more than half of the 1.6 million models produced across all generations.

Sadly, you won’t be able to buy a Sleeper Edition, as it exists solely to commemorate the end of Mk3 Superb production, with the latest model already on sale.

However, Skoda plans for it to join the UK press fleet for journalists to experience in the near-future. We can’t wait to have a go…

How to stay focused while driving a car

By

Motoring Research team

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August 22, 2024

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Getting distracted while driving massively increases your risk of having an accident. Staying focused will help keep you, your passengers and others safe. In this guide, we will outline the biggest distractions while driving – and how you can avoid them.

Distractions can be visual, auditory, physical or cognitive. Are you looking at, listening to or thinking about something that is taking your attention away from the road? In other words, are you doing something in addition to the process of driving?

Attempting to multi-task can dramatically reduce your driving performance, from your reaction times and decision making, to your overall control of the car.

“As drivers, we now deal with more distractions than ever before,” explains Sandra Macdonald-Ames, a writer on road safety.

“There are so many potential demands on our attention, some inside the car, some on the outside and others occurring inside our heads. There is the potential for us to allow any distraction to take our minds off the central task of driving – with potentially disastrous consequences.

“But the good news is that we can banish just about any distraction, as long as we want to. This is best achieved through straightforward self-discipline and sensible journey planning.”

Driven to distraction

touchscreen distraction highways england

So what distracts us the most, and how do we avoid it? With help from GEM Motoring Assist, here are some workable tips for keeping your mind focused on the road.

Put your phone away

We hardly need to explain this one. Six points and a £200 fine is the penalty for using a mobile phone behind the wheel. No excuses: put it on silent or switch it off. Then place it out of reach and out of sight, to avoid the temptation to check your messages.

Bored in a traffic jam? Still don’t. It’s illegal to use a handheld phone behind the wheel unless you’re at a standstill, the engine is switched off and the keys are out of the ignition.

Map out your route

Planning your route is a great way to make driving easier. It means you are prepared for every step of the journey, instead of constantly thinking about your next move. Having the route rehearsed in your head means the sat-nav won’t be so much of a distraction, either.

Create a music playlist

Unlike a club DJ, you won’t be criticised for having a prearranged set of music. In fact, we recommend creating a playlist in advance, so you’re not tempted to faff about finding particular songs while driving.

Keep the volume down and don’t get too into the music. We all love a singalong, but don’t let it divert your attention from the road.

Keep children occupied

Driving with children on board? They can be the noisiest, liveliest type of distraction. Make sure they have something to keep them busy, so they don’t busy you. Older children should be less of a bother. Getting their help with observations can prime them for when they start driving, too.

Don’t eat and drive

Your dietitian and car cleaner won’t be the only people who thank you for keeping food consumption out of the car. Holding a snack means you have a hand off the wheel, and your mini-meal could be a distraction.

Pull over for a bite in a service station if you simply can’t wait. Breaks for food and drink are good practice on long trips, so it’s a win-win.

Stay awake!

Of course, all of this advice means nothing if you are too tired to drive. Generally, you should be taking a 15-minute break from the car every two hours.

A well-rested, hydrated driver is a better and safer driver. Get some fresh air and stretch your legs. A coffee or caffeinated energy drink might be in order as well.

The most expensive car parts sold on eBay in 2024

By

John Redfern

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August 21, 2024

0

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

0

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

By

John Redfern

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August 19, 2024

0

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

By

John Redfern

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August 19, 2024

0

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.

Classes of Clean Air Zones

Where are Clean Air Zones?

Other Clean Air Zones

Will Clean Air Zones become the norm?

What is a Zero Emission Zone?

Expanded horizons

Zoning in on revenue

No Prime delivery just yet

Add to basket?

Five-cylinder soundtrack

Drifting action encouraged

‘The smell of excellence’

Truly Superb performance

Inside the Superb Sleeper Edition

A fitting finale

Driven to distraction

Put your phone away

Map out your route

Create a music playlist

Keep children occupied

Don’t eat and drive

Stay awake!

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