Tesla Cybertruck police car is ready to protect and to serve

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June 10, 2024

The radical Tesla Cybertruck is never far from the headlines. Now the electric pick-up is ready to enlist with North American police forces.

California-based Up.Fit has established a business converting Tesla vehicles for police use. And its latest project is the Cybertruck.

The company has created the ‘world’s first Tesla Cybertruck patrol vehicle’, designed for use by public safety officials in the United States and beyond.

‘An epic tactical vehicle’

The Up.Fit Tesla Cybertruck Next-Gen Patrol (to use its full title) is described as the ‘most epic tactical vehicle on earth’.

Its credentials include serious performance from the Cybertruck’s electric powertrain, along with the option to fit NIJ level three ballistics protection body armour.

These body panels can withstand 7.62mm FMJ lead-core rifle ammunition. This means the modified Cybertruck could potentially be used by SWAT and other tactical teams.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk infamously claimed that the standard Cybertruck would be bulletproof. Up.Fit clearly puts more faith in armoured protection, however, which it already fits to other Tesla products.

A leap into the future

“The Up.Fit Cybertruck Next-Gen Patrol vehicle represents a significant engineering leap into the future. We’re excited to offer law enforcement agencies the future of policing,” said Ben Schaffer, CEO of Unplugged Performance – responsible for Up.Fit’s work.

“We’ve been thrilled with the direct feedback from police departments that have participated in our Cybertruck development. We look forward to deploying these complete Up.Fit vehicles to law enforcement agencies across the nation this year.”

A number of police forces throughout the UK have tested Tesla EVs for fleet use, with the Model 3 and Model Y the most popular candidates.

The Cybertruck is unlikely to be road-legal on this side of the Atlantic without major modifications to its design. Nonetheless, Tesla is currently taking a Cybertruck on tour throughout the UK and Ireland.

How to check if you will be charged in a Clean Air Zone

By

Motoring Research team

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June 10, 2024

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An online service run by the UK government allows drivers to check whether they will be charged for entering a Clean Air Zone (CAZ).

Using the tool, you can confirm if you face a daily charge to drive into a Clean Air Zone. A fee will apply if your car doesn’t meet the minimum exhaust emissions standards.

The UK cities with Clean Air Zones operating at present are Bath, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Portsmouth, Sheffield and Tyneside (Newcastle and Gateshead).

London has its own separate Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ), with stricter emissions requirements. Read our London ULEZ guide for more information.

‘Air pollution has improved significantly,’ said the government, but ‘there is more to do, and local authorities are taking forward Clean Air Zones to reduce the use of polluting vehicles.’

How does the online checker work?

To find out if you’ll be charged to enter a Clean Air Zone, you need to visit the CAZ charge website. You will require the number plate (registration number) of the vehicle you want to drive into the zone.

You will be asked you to confirm these details, then select which city you want to drive in.

By using the registration of a 1998 Range Rover, we discovered that we’d be charged £8 for entering Birmingham and £9 to drive into Bristol. But there was no fee for any of the other cities mentioned above. Portsmouth, for example, only charges buses, coaches, taxis and private hire vehicles inside its Clean Air Zone.

The different types of Clean Air Zones

There are four categories of CAZ: A, B, C and D. These are summarised as follows:

Class	Vehicle type
A	Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles
B	Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles
C	Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, HGVs, vans, minibuses
D	Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, HGVs, vans, minibuses, cars (local authority has the option to include motorcycles, too)

Going back to the example of our almost classic Range Rover, Birmingham and Bristol are a Class D zones, while Portsmouth is a Class B.

The area covered by the various Clean Air Zones also varies hugely. Bradford’s CAZ stretches over 9.35 square miles, while Sheffield’s is just 0.9 square miles.

Are there any exemptions?

There are some national and local exemptions from the Clean Air Zone charges. By contacting the relevant authorities you can find out if there are local differences, but the following vehicles are automatically exempt from national CAZ charges:

Ultra low emission vehicles, such as electric cars
Disabled passenger tax class vehicles
Military vehicles
Historic vehicles
Vehicle retrofitted with technology accredited by the Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme (CVRAS)

Where to find more CAZ information

If you’re planning to drive into a city that has a Clean Air Zone, the following websites may be helpful:

Lanzante’s new 911 Turbo restomod has a title-winning F1 engine

By

John Redfern

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June 8, 2024

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British engineering firm Lanzante has created arguably the ultimate version of the original Porsche 911 (930) Turbo.

Back in 2018, the company announced plans for a series of 11 classic Porsches powered by engines from 1980s Formula One cars. The TAG Championship by Lanzante goes one step further, however…

This run of three cars will combine the iconic Porsche 930 body with period-built TAG power units that took McLaren to three F1 Drivers’ World Championships between 1984 and 1986.

The ultimate 911 restomod

The TAG TTE P01 twin-turbocharged 1.5-litre V6 engines were used by Alain Prost and Niki Lauda. Lanzante acquired the pre-raced powerplants, before having them rebuilt and uprated by Cosworth.

New pistons and conrods, a custom exhaust system and a pair of titanium turbochargers have been fitted, with all the work certified by McLaren Racing.

The result is an engine that revs to an incredible 10,250rpm and produces a maximum of 625hp. It drives the rear wheels via a custom Porsche 993 six-speed gearbox. Top speed is around 200mph.

Reassuringly, a bespoke carbon ceramic brake setup means the TAG Championship 930 should stop as effectively as it goes.

F1-style weight saving

The TAG Championship’s performance is maximised by extensive use of carbon fibre. The lightweight material is used for the doors, bonnet, front splitter and rear wing, keeping kerb weight down to a scant 920kg.

Lanzante will build just three examples of the TAG Championship, with each car themed around one of the three championship-winning years.

The first completed car is known as the Championship ’85, and is powered by the V6 engine that powered Alain Prost to victory. Appropriately, it features a red and white livery inspired by the French driver’s race helmet, plus a minimalist interior with two Recaro bucket seats.

Lanzante will give the TAG Championship its public debut at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed. The event opens on 11 July 2024.

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Skoda to supply a fleet of EVs for the British Grand Prix

By

John Redfern

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June 7, 2024

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The Silverstone racing circuit in Northamptonshire has chosen Skoda to be its new official car partner.

It means the Czech manufacturer will supply a fleet of vehicles to assist with logistics at the world-famous British venue.

This will include playing a key part in the 2024 British Grand Prix, which takes place next month – from 4 to 7 July 2024

VIP chauffeur service

Heading up the Skoda fleet at Silverstone will be the electric Enyaq. Offered in both coupe and SUV forms, the choice of an EV should help the race circuit to boost its environmental credentials.

In preparation, Silverstone has recently installed 24 electric vehicle chargers. Some 30 Skoda Enyaqs will be in service for the British Grand Prix – assigned to chauffeur VIP guests to and from the circuit’s hospitality areas.

The four-day British Grand Prix attracted a total of 480,000 F1 fans in 2023, with a similar number expected to attend this year.

Aiding sustainable motorsport

Along with the Enyaq fleet, Skoda will have its own stand in the British Grand Prix Fanzone. This will feature Gran Turismo 7 simulators, which offer the chance to race the Skoda Vision GT car.

Commenting on the new partnership, Pietro Panarisi, head of PR at Skoda UK, said: “We’re thrilled to be involved with Silverstone, one of the biggest and most famous names in motorsport. Like Silverstone, Skoda has an incredible motorsport pedigree, but an eye to the future and a passion for sustainability.”

Nick Read, chief commercial officer at Silverstone, added: “We are delighted to announce Škoda as the official car partner to Silverstone, a company that has truly embraced our sustainability objectives as we continue on our Shift to Zero journey.

“This partnership with Skoda is a significant step as we transition to a greener fleet of vehicles and continue to put sustainability at the heart of all we do at Silverstone.”

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Caterham opens huge new factory in Dartford – and you can book a tour

By

John Redfern

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June 7, 2024

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British sports car manufacturer Caterham Cars has opened a brand new factory in Dartford, Kent.

Having moved from its original home town of Caterham in Surrey, the marque’s new 54,000 square-foot facility brings together assembly, engineering and motorsport under one roof.

It also gives the famous Caterham Seven (née Lotus Seven) a new home – and offers the potential for a 50 percent increase in production numbers.

Hand-built sports cars

Caterham first moved to Dartford in 1987, but fresh investment by VT Holdings – previously the Japanese importer for Caterham Cars – has established the new facility in Dartford X business park.

The Caterham factory underwent nine months of preparation to allow for efficient car production, while staying in Dartford enabled the company to retain its skilled workforce.

There are 33 individual assembly bays, where each Caterham Seven is put together by a dedicated technician. Paint booths, an engine shop and a parts warehouse are all on-site, too.

A new chapter for Caterham

The opening of the new facility follows the 50th anniversary of Caterham Cars in 2023.

CEO Bob Laishley said: “Moving into our new global headquarters is a significant moment in our brand’s history and will be transformational for the business and the future of the Seven.

“Caterham fans and customers will also be able to see first-hand where our cars are assembled. It’s a hugely impressive modern facility and I have no doubt they’ll be blown away by it. I certainly am and I know our staff are thrilled to be operating in such a world-class facility.”

Enthusiasts can now book tours of the factory: a 2.5-hour experience that demonstrates how a bare chassis progresses to become a completed Caterham Seven.

Priced at £30 per person, demand for the factory tours has already proved strong – with the first four dates now sold out.

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2024 BMW 1 Series gets updated tech and a dramatic new look

By

John Redfern

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June 6, 2024

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The BMW 1 Series has received a major facelift, as the German marque aims to keep its entry-level hatchback fresh in the face of strong competition.

Although BMW pitches the latest 1 Series as an all-new, fourth-generation model, much of its hardware is shared with the previous version, launched in 2019.

This includes the same ‘UKL2’ platform, used by various other BMW and Mini models, meaning the car’s dimensions remain very similar.

However, BMW has ditched the option of diesel engines for the UK market. And manual transmissions have gone for good, too.

Getting a grilling

A new face is the biggest change for the 2024 1 Series, with a shallower front grille, stretched headlights and a deeper front splitter. It makes the styling something of an acquired taste, although aesthetics were no barrier to the success of the previous model…

The redesign extends to the pointier LED headlights, a smoothed front bumper and a reprofiled rear bumper. The latter have added 42mm to the car’s overall length.

M Sport trim is likely to remain a popular choice with UK buyers, and includes a larger front air intake, more dramatic side sills and a deeper rear diffuser.

The range-topping M135i hot hatchback comes with an M-badged front grille, bespoke M side mirror caps and four exhaust tailpipes.

No more diesel for the UK

BMW has slimmed down the 1 Series model range, making the 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol 120i the new starting point. Mild-hybrid assistance is included, with an output of 170hp and 207lb ft of torque.

All versions of the 1 Series now use a seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch automatic transmission and the 120i is front-wheel drive. It reaches 62mph in 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 140mph.

The hot M135i has retained the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine as previously. However, power has dropped a fraction, to 300hp and 295lb ft of torque, compared to its predecessor.

Accelerating from 0-62mph takes 4.9 seconds in the M135i, with an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system comes as standard.

Digital updates inside

On the inside, the 1 Series has undergone a substantial overhaul, including a new dashboard and centre console. BMW has added the Curved Display used in a host of its other models, which combines a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel with a 10.7-inch multimedia touchscreen.

In common with other BMW updates, physical buttons for the climate control have disappeared. Ventilation is now operated via the touchscreen.

BMW Operating System 9.0, the latest version of the iDrive infotainment suite, is included. Sadly, the rotary iDrive controller is no more, replaced by ‘quick select’ shortcuts from the screen.

A new steering wheel design, including a red 12 o’clock marker on M Sport versions, along with illuminated interior trim, are further highlights of the updated cabin.

Available to order now

The 120i Sport comes with LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, climate control air-con, cruise control, heated seats, parking sensors and a rear-view camera as standard.

Moving up to the 120i M Sport adds 18-inch alloy wheels, bespoke M styling and sports seats in a combination of black Alcantara Veganza with blue stitching.

UK prices for the 120i start at £29,950, with the M135i xDrive priced from £41,000.
Orders can be placed now, with first deliveries of the new 1 Series expected in October 2024.

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New electric Dacia Spring to cost from £169 per month

By

John Redfern

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June 6, 2024

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The Dacia Spring is set to become the UK’s cheapest new electric car, with prices starting from £14,995.

Having proved popular throughout Europe, the compact Dacia EV is now available to order here in the UK.

Deliveries of the first completed cars are expected later this year, giving a new option for those seeking a budget electric car. For comparison, the popular MG4 EV costs from £26,995.

Ready for city life

For the UK market, Dacia will offer the Spring with a choice of two electric powertrains.

The entry-level 45hp version requires a lengthy 19.1 seconds to accelerate from 0-62mph, while the 65hp model reduces this to 13.7 seconds. Both cars are capable of reaching 78mph. However, the reality is the supermini-sized Spring will be best suited to city life.

When fully charged, the Spring can cover up to 140 miles, according to the official figures. Charging the 26.8kWh battery pack from 20 to 100 percent requires four hours with a 7kW wallbox.

Standard equipment with the Essential trim level includes a 7.0-inch digital instrument panel, cruise control, manual air conditioning and rear parking sensors.

Extreme trim, which is only available with the 65hp motor, adds copper interior details, a 10.0-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation and wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Springing into action

To coincide with the UK launch of the Spring, Dacia has announced a number of competitive finance offers.

With a deposit of £2,325 for a Dacia Spring Expression 45, customers can pay £169 per month on a four-year deal. This includes an annual mileage limit of 6,000 miles, with a final payment of £6,033.

Dacia also allows buyers to add the cost of fitting a home-charging wallbox to their finance package. This contributes an extra £20 to the monthly total.

Orders for the Spring can be placed through dealerships, or via the Dacia website.

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HWA Evo is a £730k comeback for the Mercedes-Benz 190 Evo II

By

John Redfern

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June 5, 2024

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The first example of the HWA Evo restomod heads to auction next month. A modern reinterpretation of the Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evo II – a wild homologation special from the 1990s – only 100 examples of the HWA Evo will be made.

To own the very first car to leave HWA’s Affalterbach factory, buyers will need to bid in the RM Sotheby’s Tegernsee sale.

Being held as part of the Concours of Elegance Germany event, the HWA Evo goes under the hammer on Saturday 27 July 2024.

A retro racer reborn

Introduced in 1990, the Evo II version of the Mercedes 190E 2.5-16 was the ultimate incarnation of the German marque’s road racer. Only 502 examples of the original car were made, which homologated the competition version for the DTM championship.

With a near-mythical status, it was perhaps only a matter of time before the 2.5-16 Evo II got the restomod treatment.

HWA might not be a familiar name, but the company certainly isn’t a startup. Established in 1998 by Hans Werner Aufrecht, one of the founders of AMG, HWA has been responsible for numerous Mercedes-Benz racing cars.

It makes the company perfectly placed to update the 2.5-16 Evo II, with expert engineers transforming a donor Mercedes-Benz 190E into a new HWA Evo.

Manual transmission included

HWA completely strips down the Mercedes 190E, with new carbon fibre panels used to ensure a kerb weight of just 1,350kg. The car also features an integrated four-point roll cage, along with modern LED headlights and tail lights.

Instead of the Cosworth-developed engine used in the 2.5-16 Evo II, HWA fits a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6. With an output of 450hp, plus 406lb ft of torque, performance should be suitably ferocious.

Fans of paddle-shift transmissions should look away now, however, as the HWA Evo comes with an old-school six-speed manual gearbox only.

DTM-spec suspension

Further details of the HWA Evo are what might be expected from a company skilled in producing racing cars. These include DTM-specification suspension, with double wishbones and electronically adjustable dampers. The front axle can be lifted by 30mm to help with the inconvenience of speed humps.

The car’s forged alloy wheels pay tribute to those found on the original 2.5-16 Evo II, but come in larger 19-inch and 20-inch sizes. Behind these are larger brakes with six-piston calipers at the front.

Inside, a pair of Recaro seats are fitted, complete with four-point harnesses. A modern climate control system will be included, along with a digital instrument panel and new navigation software.

Time to dig deep

Ahead of the RM Sotheby’s Tegernsee Auction, no guide price has been provided for HWA Evo chassis number 000.

However, ordering one of the following 99 cars will cost a minimum of €714,000 before taxes – the equivalent of £730,000 with VAT for UK buyers.

HWA has already received a number of orders for the Evo, with the first deliveries to lucky customers expected by the end of 2025.

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Electric Jeep Wagoneer S has 600hp and more touchscreens than Tesla

By

John Redfern

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June 4, 2024

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The first ‘global battery-electric vehicle’ from Jeep has been announced, with an initial launch in North America.

Sales of the Jeep Wagoneer S will start later this year in the United States and Canada, before the electric SUV reaches other markets – likely to include the UK and Europe – in 2025.

Jeep already sells the Avenger electric car. However, this compact SUV, which shares a platform with the Fiat 600 and Vauxhall Mokka, is aimed at European customers only.

The Wagoneer S will be a truly global EV, says Jeep, with the promise of a luxurious interior, advanced aerodynamics and impressive performance.

The fastest Jeep to date

Given Jeep’s focus has traditionally been on off-road ability, aerodynamics and performance are new territory for the iconic American brand.

The Wagoneer S will make use of the new Stellantis ‘STLA Large’ platform, also set to underpin forthcoming Alfa Romeo EVs and the new Dodge Charger Daytona.

With a maximum output of 600hp, combined with 617lb ft of torque, the Wagoneer S will certainly deliver rapid acceleration. Official figures quote a 0-60mph time of just 3.4 seconds, which will make it the fastest Jeep to date.

Jeep will fit its Selec-Terrain driving mode selector, which comes with Sand and Snow options, so the Wagoneer S shouldn’t lack off-road ability, either.

American luxury inside

A 100kWh battery pack will be fitted as standard to the Wagoneer S, delivering more than 300 miles of range when fully charged. Although this figure looks unremarkable, the 400-volt electric architecture will allow for rapid charging.

When connected to a DC rapid charger, the Wagoneer S can be replenished from 20 to 80 percent charge in 23 minutes.

Like the large SUVs the Wagoneer S shares its name with, its interior will offer plenty of technology. This includes a combined 45 inches of digital display screens, with a separate 12.25-inch touchscreen for the front-seat passenger.

The Jeep Grand Wagoneer SUV has also influenced the use of premium materials inside the electric Wagoneer S, and donates its thumping McIntosh sound system. The 19-speaker setup is powered by a 1,200w amplifier and uses a 12-inch subwoofer.

Starting a new Jeep story

A special Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition will mark the debut of the electric SUV. This features gloss-black 20-inch alloy wheels, satin-painted exterior trim instead of chrome, and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof.

Jeep CEO Antonio Filosa said: “The launch of the all-electric Jeep Wagoneer S marks a new chapter in the storied history of the Jeep brand”.

Customers in the United States will be able to order the Wagoneer S Launch Edition from autumn 2024, with prices starting from $71,995 (equivalent to around £56,000).

Worldwide sales will follow next year, with Jeep set to confirm specifications and prices nearer the time.

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Number of drivers tailgating has DOUBLED, says AA survey

By

Daniel Puddicombe

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June 4, 2024

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More than half of UK drivers believe tailgating, speeding and hogging the middle lane on the motorway have become more frequent.

That’s according to a new poll conducted by the AA. The breakdown company says 55 percent of its 12,700 survey respondents think tailgating is on the rise. Previously, a third of drivers said they ignore the two-second rule when driving, the AA adds.

Some 53 percent also perceive that the number of drivers breaking the speed limit has increased, while 52 percent say there are more cases of middle-lane hogging.

In addition, just over half (51 percent) of the motorists surveyed by the AA said they have noticed an increase in drivers ‘undertaking’ on the inside.

AA wants to see more traffic police

The AA says one solution to these issues is to increase road traffic police numbers in order to ‘improve the standard of driving on UK roads’. It calls on the next government to make the necessary investment in police recruitment and training.

Having a more visible police presence on the roads ‘will act as a deterrent’ because ‘some feel they can get away with certain activities, such as using a hand-held mobile phone, because their chances of being caught are slim,’ the organisation says.

Tim Rankin, managing director of AA Accident Assist, added: “It is not a shock that tailgating comes top of the list of behaviours worsening on our roads. Indeed, we know that there is a strong chance that a rear-end collision can turn into a ‘concertina collision’ where numerous vehicles are damaged.

“As we head into summer, we encourage drivers to allow more space between themselves and other vehicles. Creating at least a two-second gap can help prevent crashes but could also reduce outbursts of road rage.”

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