Nissan is testing special paint tech to make cars COOLER

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August 9, 2024

Nissan is trialling a cutting-edge automotive paint technology, aimed at making car interiors more comfortable in warm weather.

Developed in collaboration with a company called Radi-Cool, Nissan’s new paint incorporates metamaterial synthetic composites – and has a two-stage method of reducing temperatures.

Initial tests have shown the special white paint can potentially reduce exterior bodywork temperature by 12 degrees Celsius. This translates into lowering the cabin temperature by five degrees Celsius.

The benefits are a more comfortable driving experience, along with less energy needed to cool the car’s interior.

The coolest Nissan around

Nissan’s advanced metamaterial, incorporated into the paint, has two types of particles that react when exposed to sunlight.

The first set of particles reflect near-infrared rays in the light, which would normally cause the paint’s resin layer to heat up.

Even more impressive are the second set of particles. These create electromagnetic waves, which are able to counteract the sun’s rays by directing their energy away from the car.

In November 2023, Tokyo International Air Terminal took on several Nissan NV100 vans painted with the new finish. The airport’s open tarmac exposes vehicles to relentless sunlight, making for an effective real-world test of the cooling paint technology.

The future looks bright

Dr Susumu Miura, senior manager at the Nissan Research Centre, has been responsible for developing the new cooling paint. Although heat-reflecting paint has been used in building construction for decades, adapting it for automotive use has proved more challenging.

More than 100 different samples have been tested so far, with Dr. Miura and his team refining the paint to make it easier to apply.

“My dream is to create cooler cars without consuming energy,” explained Miura. “This is especially important in the EV era, where the load from running air conditioning in summer can have a sizeable impact on the state of charge.”

Ford reveals new e-bikes inspired by Mustang and Bronco

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John Redfern

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August 9, 2024

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The list of car manufacturers offering electric bicycles has gained a new addition, as Ford announces details of two official eBikes.

A partnership with electric bike specialists N+ – which already builds the range of Mercedes-AMG F1 eBikes – has created the Mustang and Bronco-inspired duo.

Ford hopes its electric bikes will transfer the ‘spirit and performance’ of its automotive icons onto two wheels.

As yet, however, here is no mention of a mountain bike inspired by the reborn Ford Capri…

Saddle up your Ford Mustang

Focused on road use, the Mustang eBike will be available in two versions, including a commemorative 60th Anniversary Edition.

With a 750w electric motor that produces 63lb ft of torque, the Mustang eBike is capable of reaching an assisted top speed of 28mph. Four-piston hydraulic brakes are included, along with semi-slick Pirelli Angel GT tyres.

Charging the 720Wh battery pack will take 3.5 hours, and gives riders an electric range of up to 60 miles. A colour LCD screen is standard, displaying information on battery status, range and speed.

Prices in the United States will begin at $4,000 (around £3,135) for a model with ‘Carbonized Gray’ paint. Buyers can pick from 10 other colours for an additional $390 (£305).

Bronco ready for the great outdoors

The Bronco version of Ford’s eBike is, like its four-wheel-drive namesake, built with off-road action in mind.

Its dual suspension system includes an air-sprung front fork combined with a coil shock absorber at the rear. Pirelli Scorpion Enduro M hardwall tyres provide extra grip, plus it has a motocross-style seat for good measure.

Power comes from the same electric motor and battery as the Mustang version, offering an equal 60-mile range. Priced from $4,500 (£3,500), the Bronco comes finished in Area 51 Blue as standard.

The new eBikes are available to buy online, or from Ford dealerships throughout the United States. British Ford fans will have to wait and see if these two-wheelers cross the Atlantic.

Revealed: unique electric hypercar designed for Batman

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John Redfern

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August 8, 2024

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Automobili Pininfarina has unveiled a unique version of its B95 electric hypercar. The B95 Gotham roadster is inspired by the luxurious lifestyle of Batman’s civilian alter-ego, Bruce Wayne.

A partnership between Pininfarina and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (owner of the DC Batman brand) will see a series of four custom hypercars created.

The B95 Gotham is the first of these special projects to be revealed. It will make its public debut next week at The Quail – part of Monterey Car Week in California.

What would Batman drive?

The starting point for the B95 Gotham is the Automobili Pininfarina B95: effectively an open version of the Battista hypercar. Four electric motors are tucked within the minimalist bodywork and together they generate 1,900hp: good for 0-62mph in less than two seconds.

Pininfarina has painted the B95 Gotham’s carbon fibre body in Argento Vittorio gloss black, which is combined with alloy wheels in a unique design. These feature a matt black inner section, contrasting with a gloss black outer rim.

Designed with Bruce Wayne’s personal tastes in mind, the B95 Gotham has ‘Wayne Enterprises’ logos on its bodywork and chassis plate.

The theme continues inside, with tan leather upholstery and Bruce Wayne’s famous “All men have limits… I ignore mine” quote on the driver’s door sill.

For good measure, Pininfarina has configured the infotainment system with a bespoke Wayne Enterprises display. The voice of Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce Wayne’s butler, is used for the virtual assistant.

Bringing a dream to life

Dave Amantea, chief design officer at Automobili Pininfarina, said: “The B95 Gotham exemplifies how we bring our brand promise of ‘dream cars, made real’ to life for our clients.

“We place them at the centre of everything we do, and delivering bespoke and coachbuilt cars like this one is driven by our vision and commitment to design unforgettable client experiences.”

Although the B95 heading to Monterey Car Week is a show vehicle, Automobili Pininfarina has already started building a single customer example of the Gotham. No price tag has been announced, but a ‘standard’ B95 costs around £4 million.

Ahead of its public debut, the car was photographed with the Tumbler vehicle, as seen in The Dark Knight trilogy of Batman films. It has some strong competition, but we reckon the B95 Gotham might be the coolest Batmobile yet.

BMW reveals M Performance tuning parts for new 2024 M5

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John Redfern

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August 8, 2024

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BMW has only just revealed its seventh-generation M5 super saloon, but already there is a range of upgrades on offer.

The new M Performance Parts can amplify the styling of the 727hp hybrid-powered four-door BMW, which blasts to 62mph in 3.5 seconds.

You might think a vehicle already costing upwards of £111,000 should not require immediate enhancement. However, BMW seems keen for M5 customers to customise their cars.

An executive express

In standard form, the latest M5 features a large BMW M illuminated kidney grille, bespoke front and rear bumpers, and four exhaust tailpipes.

The M Performance Parts include a deeper, two-piece carbon fibre front splitter, which BMW says ‘showcases the central lower air intake’ of the M5.

More carbon fibre is used for the M Performance side skirts, with the lightweight material also featuring on the exterior mirror caps. But given a standard M5 tips the scales at more than 2,400kg, the effect on kerb weight isn’t likely to be transformational.

At the rear, the M Performance diffuser (also in carbon fibre) is more defined than that of the standard car. A mixture of carbon and titanium is used for the M Performance exhaust tailpipes, complete with embossed ‘M5’ branding.

Buyers can also choose between two carbon fibre rear spoilers: one a small Gurney flap on the boot lid, the other a more pronounced option.

Take it to the track

BMW has yet to announce UK prices for the new M Performance extras. Based on the cost of similar upgrades for other M models, however, the carbon fibre will likely have a hefty price tag.

For those on a more limited budget, or with subtler taste, there is an aramid fibre aerial cover, a branded fuel cap cover and M Performance exterior decals.

Lastly, if you want to take your M5 on a circuit, BMW will sell you a set of M Performance tyre bags to store your track day rubber. Enthusiasts will need to wait until 2025 for the accompanying M Performance light alloy wheels, though.

‘Italian automotive art’: Aehra names first two EVs, due in 2026

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John Redfern

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August 7, 2024

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Aehra, the ‘ultra-premium’ Italian EV startup, has revealed names for its first two planned production models.

Aiming for a launch in late 2026, the sleek Aehra Estasi saloon will be sold alongside the taller Impeto SUV.

Both have radical, concept car styling by Filippo Perini, previously of Lamborghini. They also promise class-leading performance and battery ranges.

To make the Estasi and Impeto a reality, Aehra has now submitted a €1.2 billion (£1 billion) development plan to the Italian Ministry of Industry and Made in Italy.

Seizing the impetus

The dramatically styled Aehra Estasi saloon was unveiled last year. Highlights include upwards-opening ‘elytra wing doors’, along with a smooth, aerodynamic profile.

The latter contributes to Aehra’s claims that the Estasi, with its 925-volt electric architecture, will offer a range of almost 500 miles when fully charged.

A similar battery range is intended for the Aehra Impeto SUV, which takes its name from the word ‘impetus’.

With a three-metre wheelbase, Aehra says ‘four NBA-size basketball players’ can travel in premium comfort inside the Impeto.

‘Beauty and innovation’

Aehra Founder and CEO, Hazim Nada, commented: “We are delighted to unveil the names of the first Aehra models, the Impeto SUV and Estasi sedan. These highly conceptual vehicles represent an expression of pure Italian automotive art that is, in our eyes, an unprecedented fusion of beauty and innovation.”

Aehra is now waiting to see if its development plan will be endorsed by the Italian government. Doing so will allow it to progress plans for a new production facility, having identified a site at Mosciano Sant’ Angelo in the Abruzzo region in northeast Italy.

Ground-breaking could begin as soon as this year, with the finished facility potentially employing 540 staff – and capable of producing 25,000 cars per year.

Hazim Nada added: “Abruzzo is home to Italy’s world-leading carbon fibre industry. This factor will prove critical to the creation of the carbon fibre monocoque that sits at the heart of the Aehra Sedan and SUV models and represents a world-first for mainstream production vehicles. As an area of special regional development, Abruzzo unlocks further fiscal advantages.”

Electric car breaks world record with 570 miles on single charge

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John Redfern

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August 7, 2024

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The Guinness World Record for the longest journey in an electric car using a single battery charge has been broken, thanks to an all-British team.

The distance of 569.94 miles was achieved using a Ford Mustang Mach-E electric SUV, which was sponsored by Webfleet-Bridgestone Mobility Solutions.

A driving duo of Kevin Booker and Sam Clarke, supported by co-pilot Richard Parker of Webfleet, was responsible for covering the record-breaking distance.

Travelling across Norfolk, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Cambridgeshire, the new record was set in just 24 hours.

Proving how far EVs can go

The Mustang Mach-E was equipped with a 91kWh battery pack, and has an official WLTP battery range of 373 miles. Adding nearly 200 miles to this distance required some very considered and efficient driving.

Both Booker and Clarke are no stranger to setting Guinness World Records, holding five between them. These include a similar achievement for the longest distance driven in an electric van on a single charge.

Booker remarked: “Breaking this record has been an exhilarating journey and a powerful demonstration of what electric vehicles can achieve.

“It is incredible to see how far we have come with EV technology and efficiency. We hope this inspires more people to consider electric vehicles for their everyday travel.”

Going the distance

The attempt was documented with independently verified video footage, odometer readings, GPS data and battery level information. Together, it proved the previous EV range record of 563 miles, set in China, had been broken.

To ensure the attempt met all the Guinness World Record requirements, motoring organisation the AA acted as the official adjudicator. The AA’s dedicated EV support services were also on hand, in case they were required.

AA president Edmund King OBE commented: “We are delighted to have supported this incredible achievement with our expert patrols and backup team.

“The drivers, together with Ford Mustang Mach-E, Bridgestone and Webfleet, have all used their expertise to prove that EVs can go much further than people think. Such endeavours are important to show that electric vehicles can be a major part of the future transport mix.”

Driving abroad? Why GB stickers and number plates now risk a fine

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Richard Aucock

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August 7, 2024

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Will you be driving abroad this summer? If so, the ‘GB’ sticker you might have fitted to your car must be swapped for a ‘UK’ one.

Since Brexit, government guidance states that any British car driving in Europe must have a UK identifier. Yet a recent survey by ferry operator DFDS found that 40 percent of British motorists would incorrectly affix a GB sticker to their car instead – risking up to €120 in fines.

If your car has number plates with a Union Jack flag and ‘UK’ text on the left-hand side, however, you do not require a UK sticker as well.

The rest of British

It’s worth noting that only the Union Jack flag is permitted, though. A UK sticker is still mandatory if your number plates display the national flag of England, Scotland or Wales. The EU ‘stars’ symbol is no longer permitted on newly manufactured UK registration plates.

Cars with plates that display numbers and letters only – i.e. there is no flag or country identifier – must display a UK sticker, too.

The government adds that if you’re driving in Spain, Cyprus or Malta, you must have a UK sticker on show, no matter what is on your number plate. But a UK sticker is not required to drive in Ireland.

Electric and classic number plates

In December 2020, the government introduced green number plates for electric cars. These non-mandatory plates are available to new and existing vehicles, and feature a green flash on the left-hand side. This can include a flag and ‘UK’ identifier, just like regular plates.

From 1 January 2021, changes were also made to eligibility for black and silver number plates. Only classic vehicles manufactured before 1 January 1980 are now eligible to display these – and they must be licensed in the historic tax class.

Land Rover Owner International called this ‘a blow to owners of military vehicles which were approaching 40 years of age’. It referenced Land Rover models that would have displayed black and silver plates showing their military equipment registration mark (ERM) during service.

English breakfast and a yoga class: the truth about UK van drivers

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John Redfern

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August 6, 2024

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New research by Citroen aims to dispel typical preconceptions about van drivers in the UK.

Some 2,000 drivers were surveyed, including van drivers, to establish whether the stereotypical ‘white van man’ still exists in 2024.

The study found van drivers were likely to have a wide array of interests, with almost half (44 percent) enjoying cooking and baking as a regular pastime.

Two sugars, no tabloids

The most popular hobbies among van drivers questioned in the survey were walking (chosen by 58 percent), followed by travelling (47 percent) and video games (45 percent).

Exercise is an important consideration for many of Britain’s van drivers, too. More than a third (41 percent) attend a gym, while 14 percent enjoy yoga or pilates.

Despite the health kick, a full English breakfast is still the meal of choice for 39 percent of van drivers, compared to 25 percent of car drivers. And those driving a van are more than twice as likely to take sugar in their tea.

Forget the stereotype of a red-topped newspaper on the dashboard, too. Just under half (47 percent) get their news from a broadsheet newspaper, while a quarter listen to podcasts and audiobooks.

Van drivers have moved on

The overall perception of van drivers on the UK’s roads appears to be improving, based on the results of the Citroen survey.

Almost two thirds (62 percent) of drivers said they were no more likely to report a van driver for poor driving than a car driver. Close to half (41 percent) of those asked said they think a van driver and a car driver would be equally likely receive to a parking fine.

Greg Taylor, managing director at Citroen UK, said “It is clear that the habits and lifestyles of van drivers in the UK have moved on from the preconceptions of the previous decade.

“As the pioneer of the leisure activity vehicle, Citroen has always offered its customers a robust model that suits them and adapts to their every need.”

Alfa Romeo Junior electric SUV costs from under £300 per month

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John Redfern

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August 5, 2024

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Finance offers for the first Alfa Romeo EV have been announced, with costs starting from £299 per month.

Those who order an Alfa Romeo Junior will also receive a £500 contribution towards an Octopus charging device for their home.

This comes on top of a £1,000 deposit contribution from Alfa Romeo across the model range, which sees cash prices starting from £33,895 on the road.

News of Alfa Romeo’s finance offers follows the announcement of prices for the Kia EV3, plus the introduction of a new, cheaper version of the Volvo EX30.

More electric SUV competition

Alfa Romeo initially named its compact EV the Milano, in honour of the Italian marque’s home city. However, some Italian politicians took exception to the fact that the car is produced in Tychy, Poland. The result was a name change to Junior.

The standard Junior Elettrica and Junior Speciale use a 156hp electric motor, with a potential range of up to 250 miles when fully charged. With a higher 240hp output, the sportier Veloce has a reduced range of 215 miles.

All versions come with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, rear parking sensors and a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel. There is also a 10.25-inch central touchscreen, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, plus safety systems including adaptive cruise control and active lane assist.

The Junior Speciale gains a sportier exterior styling kit, along with satellite navigation and a 180-degree reversing camera. At the top of the range, Veloce models have lowered sports suspension, 20-inch alloy wheels and a Torsen limited-slip differential.

From less than £300 a month

The Alfa Romeo offer for the Junior is available until 8 October 2024, covering vehicles purchased using Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) finance with a 6.9 percent APR.

Based on a 37-month contract, the Junior Elettrica costs £299 per month, with a £8,860.84 customer deposit contribution, plus a mileage allowance of 6,000 miles per year.

For the Junior Speciale, the same terms see a monthly cost of £329 when combined with a £8,954.58 customer deposit.

Finally, opting for the range-topping Junior Veloce will see customers paying £399 per month, following an initial deposit of £10,701.46.

Volvo launches cut-price version of new EX30 electric SUV

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John Redfern

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August 2, 2024

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The Volvo EX30 electric SUV has just become more affordable, thanks to a new entry-level model.

Volvo has announced a new ‘Core’ trim level as the cheapest offering in the EX30 lineup. It also becomes the most affordable electric vehicle in the Swedish marque’s range.

An on-the-road price of £32,850 means the Volvo EX30 Core undercuts the rival Kia EV3, which recently had its UK pricing confirmed.

Two battery options

Despite being the most basic EX30, Volvo will offer the Core with a choice of two battery sizes. Both are combined with a 272hp single motor that drives the rear wheels.

Performance remains impressive, with both versions capable of accelerating from 0-62mph in less than 6.0 seconds. Top speed is limited to 112mph.

The smaller 51kWh battery is available for the £32,850 price tag, and provides an official range of up to 209 miles. Opting for the £37,050 Extended Range version, with a larger 69kWh battery, ups the potential range to 295 miles.

Being compatible with 175kW rapid-charging devices means replenishing the battery pack from 10 to 80 percent should take less than 30 minutes.

Low price, strong spec

Standard equipment for the EX30 Core includes single-zone climate control, automatic LED headlights with active high beam, and a set of 18-inch alloy wheels.

The central 12.3-inch touchscreen incorporates Android Auto connectivity, and now wireless Apple CarPlay as well. Satellite navigation, a DAB radio, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera are all included.

Like the rest of the EX30 range, the Core model has a home entertainment-style 100-watt soundbar spanning the dashboard. This helps to maintain a minimalist Scandinavian look.

With the launch of the new Core version, Volvo has increased prices of other models in the EX30 range by around £1,350. The Single Motor Plus now starts at £35,150, with the top-level Ultra costing from £43,350.

Orders can be placed for the Volvo EX30 Core now, with the first deliveries expected in early 2025.