Jaguar wins 2024 Formula E World Championship in London

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July 23, 2024

Jaguar has scooped its first motorsport world title since 1991 in a dramatic London showdown for the 2024 Formula E World Championship.

The British team took the Teams’ World Championship with a record 368 points, and also won the inaugural Manufacturer’s Trophy, while its drivers Mitch Evans and Nick Cassidy came second and third in the Drivers’ World Championship.

During the season, the team took four wins, 14 podiums, seven fastest laps and four pole positions with the Jaguar T-Type 6 electric racer.

The team finally triumphed in the final Formula E round held at the unique London Excel racetrack in the nation’s Docklands area.

“This is a truly historic moment for Jaguar TCS Racing, the Jaguar brand and everyone who has played a part in this success,” said team principal James Barclay.

“Jaguar has a rich racing history and, when we started our Formula E programme back in 2016, we were determined to add to that legacy.

“To win the 2024 ABB FIA Formula E Teams’ World Championship – the pinnacle of electric racing – is fitting reward for everyone’s hard work and winning mindset.”

Reimagining Jaguar

“Winning the Formula E Teams’ World Championship is a great sporting achievement and underlines JLR’s commitment to reimagine Jaguar as a pure-electric modern luxury brand,” said JLR Motorsport chairman Chris Thorp.

“The performances the team have delivered on the track in winning the World Championship continue to inspire everyone at JLR, driving the reimagining of the Jaguar brand and the delivery of technical innovation to the next generation of Jaguar electric vehicles, for the direct benefit of our customers.”

During the London E-Prix final, both Jaguar drivers were in with a shot of winning the Drivers’ World Championship. Nick Cassidy qualified on pole for the first race, with teammate Mitch Evans in third.

The Jaguars controlled the early part of the race too, but Cassidy was then hit by a Porsche driver, ending his chance of winning the world title. Evans also had a challenging race, finishing in third – and with Porsche’s Pascal Wehrlein winning, the German ended up scooping the title.

Both drivers will be back behind the wheel of the Jaguar Formula E car next year, for another shot at taking the drivers’ title.

Earlier this year, Jaguar confirmed plans to continue as a manufacturer with a factory team into Formula E’s GEN4 era, through to 2030.

Dacia Sandero is Europe’s best-selling car in 2024… so far

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John Redfern

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July 22, 2024

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The latest car sales data from JATO Dynamics reveals that the Dacia Sandero was the best-selling vehicle across Europe during the first half of 2024.

It marks the first time the budget-priced supermini has topped the chart overall, having previously held the title for retail sales only.

During the first six months of this year, Dacia supplied 143,596 examples of the Sandero to the European market.

This put it well ahead of the ever-popular Volkswagen Golf, which has seen sales of 126,993 cars so far this year.

Demand for Dacia

Compared to the first half of 2023, Dacia Sandero sales have increased by an impressive 16 percent in the European market.

Worldwide, some 164,780 Sanderos have been delivered to new owners so far this year – an 18.5 percent jump compared to the same time in 2023.

The Dacia Duster SUV also took 12th place on the European best-sellers list, with 89,435 examples sold. This helped the budget brand to reach ninth place overall, ahead of both Hyundai and Kia.

Volkswagen proved to be the best-selling brand across Europe in the first half of 2024, with a colossal 706,265 cars sold. This was substantially ahead of Toyota in second place, which achieved sales of 482,275 vehicles.

Volkswagen strong in Europe

The figures from JATO Dynamics also show that Volkswagen Group posted the best overall sales figures for battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in the first half of this year.

However, Volkswagen has seen electric car sales fall by nearly one quarter (24 percent), while Porsche saw demand tumble by 55 percent.

Meanwhile, Chinese brands demonstrated their growing importance, with 70,000 electric cars sold during the first six months of 2024.

Chinese imports under threat

The Chinese-built Volvo EX30 and MG4 models were the third and fourth most-registered BEVs for this period, but they will soon become subject to new EU tariffs.

Felipe Munoz, global analyst at JATO Dynamics, said: “Measures taken by the European Union to impose tariffs on BEV imports from China will target models that accounted for 17 percent of BEV registrations in Europe during H1 2024, excluding potential units imported by Tesla.

“It’s clear that China has significantly helped to drive growth in the market. Without these competitive prices coming from China, consumers will face higher prices, meaning we could see demand fall over the next few months.”

McLaren P1 is latest Lego Technic model – with nearly 4,000 parts

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John Redfern

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July 22, 2024

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A new collaboration between McLaren Automotive and Lego introduces the P1 hypercar as a 1:8-scale Technic model.

The latest addition to the Technic Ultimate Car Concept Series sees the P1 join Lego kits including the Bugatti Chiron and Lamborghini Sian FKP37.

On sale next month, the Lego Technic McLaren P1 has close to 4,000 pieces. Each model also comes with a unique serial number to access special online content.

A real big Mac

Aimed at adult Lego enthusiasts, the Technic McLaren P1 will require plenty of time and skill to build.

A total of 3,983 pieces must be assembled. These include a seven-speed gearbox with two shifter drums, working suspension, a V8 engine with moving pistons and an adjustable rear spoiler.

The Lego Technic model also comes with opening dihedral doors, just like the full-size McLaren original. Creating a mechanism to ensure they stay open was a challenge for Lego’s engineers.

Before building, fans will need to ensure they have enough shelf space for this jumbo-sized model. The Technic P1 measures 59cm in length and is 25cm wide. It comes in classic McLaren papaya-coloured bodywork.

An inspiring collaboration

Designing the Technic P1 required extensive collaboration between Lego and McLaren to maximise the scale model’s realism.

Tobias Sühlmann, chief design officer at McLaren Automotive, said: “It’s amazing to see so many of the elements from the original P1 brought to life by the Lego team for the Lego Technic McLaren P1. I hope this collaboration inspires the next generation of designers and engineers to push the boundaries of automotive innovation.”

Kasper Rene Hansen, Lego Group designer, added: “From the exterior with aerodynamic shapes to the interior and V8 piston engine – the real McLaren P1 is an incredible car. We wanted to capture these details in the best way possible with our Lego Technic model and we did not want to compromise in any way”

The Lego Technic McLaren P1 is on sale from 1 August 2024. Priced at £389.99 in the UK, it will be available both online and in Lego stores.

Fox Factory’s new Chevy supertruck has app-adjusted suspension

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John Redfern

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July 19, 2024

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Suspension specialist Fox Factory has created an incredible limited-edition 700hp Chevrolet Silverado pick-up truck.

The Fox Factory Truck promises huge performance, both on the road and over rough terrain, thanks to the latest in suspension technology.

This includes the ability to adjust shock absorber settings from inside the Chevrolet Silverado, and also refine them by using a smartphone app.

Suspension via smartphone

Fox’s Live Valve suspension dampers have become renowned as the setup of choice for off-road performance. They appear as standard on ultra-capable trucks such as the Ford F-150 Raptor.

The ultimate Chevy Silverado uses Fox Factory’s latest 3.2 Factory Race Series Live Valve shock absorbers. These are combined with new technology from software company Valtech, which allows adjustment of the suspension settings via the Fox smartphone app.

Drivers can create bespoke suspension settings to suit different surfaces, along with viewing data and telemetry from previous drives. The app can receive over-the-air software updates, too.

Inside the Silverado is a dedicated switch panel to tweak the suspension on the move. It can swap instantly between modes as needed.

Serious off-road performance

Trick suspension is only one part of the enhancements for the Fox Factory Silverado. Its supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 produces a more-than-healthy 700hp, with a Borla stainless steel exhaust fitted for good measure.

There is also the extensive use of lightweight carbon material for the bodywork, special BF Goodrich rubber on 17-inch wheels, plus 60,000 lumens of forward-facing LED lighting.

On the inside, you will find custom orange stitched two-tone leather seats with Alcantara suede inserts. The Chevy has steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, too.

Fox is taking expressions of interest for the truck now, with a hefty asking price of $209,999 (£162,000). This does include a three-year or 36,000-mile warranty, at least.

Nismo returns to Europe with sporty Nissan Ariya electric SUV

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John Redfern

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July 18, 2024

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Nissan has announced a sportier Nismo version of the Ariya electric SUV. And it will be coming to the UK later this year.

Helping to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Nismo name, the upgraded Ariya also marks the return of Nissan’s performance sub-brand to Europe.

The Ariya certainly marks a change in direction for Nismo, given that its previous flagship was a 600hp version of the GT-R supercar.

A new electric Nismo

For European buyers, Nissan has confirmed that the Ariya Nismo will be based on the 87kWh version of the electric crossover. Like the Nissan GT-R Nismo, the Ariya comes as standard with all-wheel drive.

Nissan says the Nismo will gain powertrain improvements over the standard 87kWh Ariya e-4orce’s 306hp output from its dual motors.

However, Japanese enthusiasts are offered the Nissan Ariya Nismo with a choice of two powertrains, including a 91kWh version with 429hp.

The Ariya Nismo will benefit from upgraded brakes, grippier tyres and tuned suspension. These are said to give ‘customers the handling and cornering ability usually reserved for motorsports’.

Red stripes and race-style seats

There are various visual changes for the Ariya Nismo, including bespoke front and rear bumpers, plus a racier set of side skirts. In classic Nismo style, these are picked out in red, just like a classic Nissan GT-R.

There is also a large rear spoiler, with Nissan saying this will reduce drag and increase the level of downforce at speed.

Inside, the Ariya Nismo gains suede-covered sports seats up front, said to be reminiscent of those in Nissan’s Formula E race car. Red detailing continues throughout the cabin, including for the power button.

Enthusiasts will get a first chance to see the Nissan Ariya Nismo at this weekend’s Formula E London E-Prix. Prices and the final specification will be confirmed later this year.

Lap of luxury: New Porsche Panamera sets a Nurburgring record

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John Redfern

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July 17, 2024

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Porsche has used its new third-generation Panamera to set a new lap record around the notorious Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany.

Ahead of the new model’s launch, Porsche test driver Lars Kern took to the 12.944-mile track in the 680hp Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid.

A lap time of 7min 24.17sec means the new Panamera can claim the – slightly tenuous-sounding – ‘Ring record for a luxury car with a combustion engine and hybrid power.

Quicker than a Zonda

For Lars Kern, setting the new record was business as usual. The German driver has claimed two previous class-best lap times around the Nordschleife, most recently with the second-generation Porsche Panamera Turbo in 2020.

The Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid was 5.64 seconds faster around the challenging course than its predecessor.

The new lap time also makes the new Panamera officially faster than some supercars, including the Pagani Zonda F Clubsport and Maserati MC12, along with beating the Nissan GT-R.

Notably, the Panamera is not Porsche’s quickest four-door model around the Nurburgring. That honour goes to the fully electric Taycan Turbo GT, which lapped the Nordschleife in 7min 7.55sec earlier this year.

From the ‘Ring to the road

For the timed run, the Panamera was equipped with a full roll cage and a racing bucket seat. A set of grippy Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tyres was fitted. The Porsche also wore the optional carbon fibre aero kit.

The latter includes a special Gurney flap fitted to the adaptive rear spoiler, which helps generate additional downforce at high speeds.

“On the Nordschleife, the transverse dynamic capabilities of a car are particularly important,” said Kern after the record run.

“The new Panamera has made significant gains in this area. In technically demanding corner sequences in particular, such as between the Hohe Acht and Brunnchen sections of the track, it responds with noticeably greater agility.”

For those looking to attempt their own Nurburgring lap time, the Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid is available to order now, priced from £145,400.

Drive the new Alpine A290 hot hatch in Fortnite to win prizes

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John Redfern

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July 16, 2024

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Players of the Fortnite video game can now select a new Alpine A290 hot hatchback to save their virtual world.

The new Rift Racers experience lets players drive a digital version of the first fully electric Alpine. And they could win in-game prizes as a result.

It follows the UK dynamic debut of the Alpine A290 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The 220hp EV took to the famous hill climb course in front of thousands of spectators.

Virtual racing to win

Fortnite is available on numerous gaming platforms, including the Sony PlayStation, Microsoft Xbox and smartphones. Free to download, more than 1.8 million players can be found online at any given time.

To access the Rift Racer experience, players can search for it from the Fortnite homepage. Alternatively, they can enter the code: 3949-8348-1021.

The Alpine Rift Racers experience tasks Fortnite fans with a mission to close a number of ‘rifts’ and save the universe. Multiple locations can be explored, with players travelling through them to collect materials and activate the ‘Alpine tower’.

Once players have completed the challenge, they can enter their times through a dedicated Alpine website, with the potential to win special prizes.

Amplifying the brand reach

Daniel Ritchie, director of sponsorship acquisition at Alpine, said: “The A290 in Rift Racers is a key moment for us as we expand within the digital and gaming world. We provide players across the globe a new way of experiencing the speed, agility, and electrical power of the A290.

“This in-game activation bridges the gap between road cars, motorsport and gaming, amplifying our brand’s reach and engaging a new generation of fans.”

For those wanting to experience the real Alpine A290, reservations for the electric hot hatchback can be placed now. Alpine expects to deliver the first completed cars in early 2025.

Is the Ariel Nomad 2 the most fun you can have on four wheels?

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John Redfern

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July 12, 2024

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Somerset-based Ariel Motor Company has announced an all-new version of its Nomad off-road buggy.

Embodying the extreme utilitarianism the company has become famous for, the new vehicle is simply named ‘Nomad 2’.

Only three parts have been carried over from its Nomad predecessor. Ariel has completely redesigned the lightweight machine, with a new engine and a stronger chassis.

Strong and light

Ariel has given the Nomad 2 an all-new tubular frame chassis, with larger diameter metalwork to boost torsional stiffness by more than 60 percent.

Getting in and out of the Nomad should be easier than before, thanks to a longer wheelbase and larger chassis opening. Integrated roll-over protection and a full safety cage come as standard.

The Nomad 2’s bodywork remains a minimalist affair. Toughened polythene panels help reduce kerb weight to just 715kg.

New K-Tech coil-over aluminium dampers and Eibach dual-rate springs are used for the suspension. Ariel has also improved the approach and departure angles, aiding the car’s off-road ability.

Turbocharged Ford power

Honda engines have been discontinued for the Nomad 2. Instead, Ariel has turned to the Ford 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, best known for powering the Focus ST. This provides up to 305hp and 382lb ft of torque with a switchable ECU.

Given the Nomad 2’s lightweight design, the 0-60mph sprint takes just 3.4 seconds, with a top speed of 134mph.

Air is fed to the Nomad 2’s intercooler through a snorkel-style air intake. This is located above the cockpit to ensure the cleanest supply of fresh air.

A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, with Ariel’s own six-speed sequential transmission as an option. There is also a hydraulic handbrake, featuring a huge WRC-style lever for maximum drift thrills.

Ready to order now

The no-nonsense approach continues inside the Nomad 2. A pair of lightweight bucket seats are compatible with racing harnesses.

There is also a full-colour digital dashboard display, incorporating shift lights and the potential for data logging.

Prices for the Nomad 2 start from £67,992, and customers can choose from more than 100 options for individual customisation.

Nomad 2 production will commence shortly at Ariel’s factory in Crewkerne, where it will be assembled alongside the Atom 4, Atom 4R, and Dash e-bike.

MG Cyberster becomes a coupe with new Cyber GTS concept

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John Redfern

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July 12, 2024

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MG has revealed an electric coupe at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, as the company kicks off celebrations for its 100th anniversary.

The MG Cyber GTS Concept was a genuine surprise for the Goodwood crowds. Jozef Kaban, vice president of MG’s Global Design Centre, introduced the car in person to the Duke of Richmond.

Depending on the feedback from enthusiasts, a production version of the Cyber GTS could be heading to MG showrooms in the not-too-distant future.

MG with production potential

Based on the two-seat Cyberster electric roadster, the Cyber GTS pays tribute to one of the MG’s most successful racing cars.

The MGC GTS Sebring claimed the marque’s best-ever finish at the 1968 Sebring 12 Hours race. Paddy Hopkirk and Andrew Hedges finished in third place in the prototype class, and 10th position overall.

Like the 1960s original, the Cyber GTS features a rear-wheel-drive layout. Using the same electric powertrain as the Cyberster would mean a minimum of 335hp for the coupe.

Although MG has not shown an interior yet, beneath the fixed roof of the Cyber GTS are four seats. Hopefully, MG will decide there is room in the automotive world for a two-door electric coupe that’s both stylish and relatively practical.

Celebrating 100 years of MG

MG is the celebrated marque at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, with both a Cyberster and a classic MGB displayed on the dramatic central feature.

The Festival of Speed began with the Duke of Richmond driving one of his grandfather’s MG C-Type race cars, which competed at the Brooklands Double 12 in 1931.

A new version of the MG HS SUV has also been launched at Goodwood, along with the EX181 electric land-speed record concept.

The search is on for a drive-thru fast food reviewer

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John Redfern

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July 12, 2024

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Think you could be the ultimate judge of the best drive-thru meals? If so, Auto Trader wants to hear from you.

The car sales website is on the hunt for an official ‘drive-thru reviewer’, who will be tasked with exploring local fast-food restaurants.

However, the reviews will need to focus on more than just which drive-thru outlet offers the tastiest food.

Auto Trader also wants to know which meal does the best job of preserving the interior of your car.

Car versus food

With the growing number of drivers choosing to lease their vehicles, ensuring a car’s interior remains in top condition is now an even higher priority.

Leasing companies thoroughly inspect cars when they are returned, and grease stains or lingering smells from fast food could result in charges for deep cleaning or even replacement parts.

In addition, the widespread use of touchscreens inside new cars has created a new challenge in avoiding endless fingerprints on the infotainment system.

Auto Trader’s drive-thru reviewer will be tasked with judging meals on everything from the quality of the package, through to how long the food smell lingers in the car’s cabin.

Gym membership not included

To become the new drive-thru reviewer, applicants need to complete a simple form setting out in 300 words why they would be the best judge of fast food.

A winner will then be chosen at random from all entrants, and receive £300 to cover the cost of fuel and food from five local drive-thru restaurants.

The chosen reviewer will have to report back with their judgement on their selected restaurants, and also provide photos to share on social media.

Aficionados of burgers and supersized drinks will have to move quickly, though. The competition closes at 23:59 on Sunday 14 July 2024.

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