Wild 800hp Ford Mustang GTD makes Le Mans debut

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June 14, 2024

Ford has chosen this weekend’s 24 Hours of Le Mans for the European debut of the Mustang GTD – and to reveal more information about its ultimate pony car.

Conceived to allow Ford to enter the Mustang in the GT3 racing category at Le Mans, the road-going GTD promises an extreme driving experience.

Intriguingly, Ford will also start accepting expressions of interest for the 800hp Mustang from European enthusiasts.

Fastest pony in the stable

Although the GTD looks relatively similar to other models in the latest Mustang range, beneath the skin it is very different.

Not simply another modified muscle car, the Mustang GTD is closer in concept to supercars such as the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. As such, it is a true homologation special – developed with Ford’s racing partner, Multimatic.

Beneath the carbon fibre bonnet is a supercharged 5.2-litre V8 that produces more than 800hp. This is connected to the rear wheels by an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with titanium paddle shifters.

The trick suspension includes Multimatic’s DSSV spool valve dampers, with motorsport-style coilover springs occupying space in the boot. For the first time on a Mustang, there is a nose lift option to help negotiate speed humps.

Ready for the ‘Ring

Want even more? An optional new Performance Pack helps the Mustang GTD target a sub-seven-minute lap of the fearsome Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit.

It includes a deep front splitter, underbody flaps, extra dive planes and a Formula One-style Drag Reduction System (DRS) for the gigantic rear wing. Active aerodynamics are used to boost the GTD’s top speed.

The Performance Pack also includes 20-inch magnesium alloy wheels, along with the removal of sound deadening to save weight.

Greg Goodall, chief engineer for the Mustang GTD, said: “From the lightweight carbon fibre body on every GTD to the active aerodynamics of the Performance package, we’ve learned from motorsport how to make the Mustang GTD excel everywhere – all in the quest for a sub-seven-minute lap of the Nurburgring”.

Supercar power and pricing

The GTD Performance Pack has a flat-bottomed steering wheel, trimmed in Dinamica, with buttons to adjust the suspension settings and alter the exhaust mode.

Buyers will have a choice of six colours, including the dramatic Chroma Flair red shown here. A Carbon Series option leaves the body panels unpainted to show-off the carbon fibre construction.

Ford has been coy about prices for the Mustang GTD, but North American buyers are expecting to pay in the region of $325,000 (£254,000). However, this did not stop more than 7,500 enthusiasts applying to own one.

European customers can register their interest via a dedicated website.

New Skoda Kodiaq hybrid can drive 75 miles on electric power

By

John Redfern

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June 14, 2024

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Skoda has revealed the plug-in hybrid version of its new, second-generation Kodiaq SUV.

The previous Skoda Kodiaq was sold only with petrol or diesel engines. This is the first time plug-in hybrid technology has been used in one of the Czech manufacturer’s SUVs.

The latest Kodiaq was intended to be a hybrid from the outset, ensuring its design was optimised for a plug-in version. The new Kodiaq iV joins the existing Skoda Octavia and Superb in offering a hybrid option.

Plug-in hybrid power

Powering the Skoda Kodiaq iV is a 150hp 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, combined with a 116hp electric motor.

The result is a total output of 204hp, allowing the Kodiaq iV to accelerate from 0-62mph in 8.4 seconds. Engaging Sport mode unlocks the full power output, with drivers also able to swap between fully electric and hybrid modes.

A 25.4kWh lithium-ion battery pack is fitted, located behind the rear seats. This restricts the Kodiaq iV to being a five-seat SUV, however, while other models in the range are available in seven-seat format.

Fully charged, the Kodiaq iV has the potential to cover up to 76 miles on battery power alone. Company car drivers will likely be attracted by a low Benefit-in-Kind tax rate of just five percent.

Fast-charging included

Skoda has designed its new hybrid powertrain to work with public DC rapid chargers. When connected to a 50kW device, the Kodiaq iV’s battery can be replenished from 10 to 80 percent capacity in 26 minutes.

Using a home wallbox charger, topping up the battery takes around two hours and 30 minutes.

Available to order now, prices for the Skoda Kodiaq iV start at £41,395 in SE trim. Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and a 13.0-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation.

The SE L version costs from £44,635, adding LED matrix headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels and leather upholstery to the car’s specification.

How to use the Channel Tunnel when driving to France

By

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

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June 13, 2024

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Are you heading to France – or perhaps further into Europe – for a summer holiday? If so, Eurotunnel’s ‘Le Shuttle’ train service is the quickest way to cross the English Channel.

You’ll need to allow extra time for passport checks since Brexit, but once on board, the train takes just 35 minutes to whisk you from Folkestone to Calais.

The Eurotunnel is also convenient. Buy an appropriate ticket and you can arrive at any time, then board the next available train. You get quick access to the motorway network when you drive off the train in France, too.

Here, we reveal what you need to know about using the Channel Tunnel. For the latest travel information, check out the official Le Shuttle Twitter feed.

How to buy Eurotunnel tickets

Tickets cost from £39 per car for a single crossing, although this price is based on returning the same day or the following day. A standard ticket is £116 each way, or £151 if you choose the refundable option.

If you can afford it, we recommend a Flexiplus ticket (from £214). This gives you the flexibility to travel at short notice and with minimal delays.

A Flexiplus ticket is a little like an upgraded flight ticket. Travellers are treated to a dedicated check-in, access to an exclusive lounge and complimentary refreshments, magazines and newspapers.

This guide will help you to choose the best ticket:

Short Stay Saver: from £94 per car, each way. Five days or fewer. Must be purchased as part of a return journey.
Standard: from £116 per car, each way. Single or return.
Standard Refundable: from £151 per car, each way. Single or return. Can be refunded if your plans change.
Short Stay Flexiplus: from £214 per car, each way. Five days or fewer. Return ticket.
Flexiplus: from £274 per car, each way. Any duration. Single or return.

The quickest way to book a ticket is to use the Eurotunnel webs ite. You can also telephone 0344 335 3535 to make a reservation. The lines are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 7pm, and at weekends from 9am to 5.30pm.

Arriving at the Eurotunnel

Whether you arrive at the Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone or Calais, you should check-in at least 45 minutes and no more than two hours before your booked departure time. You will need your booking reference number and credit or debit card used to make the booking.

At Folkestone, take junction 11a off the M20 and proceed to the check-in booths.
At Calais, exit the A16 at junction 42 and follow the ‘Tunnel sous la Manche’ signs to the check-in booths.

If you have made a booking in advance, you can proceed to the self-check-in lanes. Simply insert your payment card into the machine and follow the instructions. Either way, you will be given a departure hanger for your car’s windscreen.

Boarding the Le Shuttle train

Once you have checked in, you are free to use the passenger terminal. Here, you will find shops, restaurants, toilets and baby changing facilities.

Next, drive to the British and French frontier controls where your passport, vehicle and official documentation will be checked.

Boarding commences 25 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Check the screens and listen for announcements, before following the arrows to your allocated boarding lane.

Vehicle types on the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle

The following vehicle types are permitted on the Eurotunnel:

Cars
Motorcycles
High vehicles, vans and minibuses
Caravans, campervans and trailers
Electric cars
Coaches
Bicycles

Most cars will be directed to the double-deck trains, which are suitable for vehicles less than 1.85 metres in height. Taller, wider and longer vehicles, plus those towing a caravan or trailer, will be directed to the single-deck trains.

Once you have boarded Le Shuttle, you are free to leave your vehicle. There are toilets on board, but smoking is not permitted.

Are there electric car charging points at the Eurotunnel?

You will find rapid (50kW) and ultra-rapid (210kW) electric car chargers in both Folkestone and Calais.

However, Eurotunnel notes that: ‘Customers with vehicles that require a Type 2 plug must be in possession of and use their own charging cable. None are provided or available on the terminal’.

There are also dedicated Tesla Superchargers – with those at Folkestone open to other (non-Tesla) cars with CCS charging compatibility as part of a pilot scheme.

Eurotunnel: other things to remember

There are up to four train departures per hour, and the price of a Eurotunnel ticket covers a car and up to nine passengers. There are also no baggage restrictions.

For more information, including details about travelling with a pet, fuel types and duty-free shopping, visit the Eurotunnel website. Don’t forget your passport and a ‘UK’ sticker for the back of your car. Bon voyage!

The classic Lamborghini Countach is now available in Lego

By

John Redfern

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June 11, 2024

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The Lamborghini Countach has become the latest supercar to receive the Lego Icon treatment.

For those who couldn’t stretch to Lamborghini’s recent, limited-edition remake of the Countach, this brick-built version is a more affordable alternative.

The original Countach joins the likes of the classic Land Rover Defender and Porsche 911 as a Lego replica model.

An iconic supercar

Lego hasn’t chosen just any version of the Countach to transform into a scale model, but has gone all-out on 1980s excess. The 1,500-piece Lego Icons Lamborghini is based on the Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole, launched in 1985.

As a result, the Lego Countach features a gigantic rear wing, flared wheelarches and a set of deep-dished alloy wheels. On the inside, bold red seats contrast with the retro white exterior.

Standard features include the iconic scissor doors, an opening front trunk and a flip-up engine cover. Beneath the latter is a detailed version of the Countach’s naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V12 engine.

Not exactly child’s play

Intended to be challenging but rewarding models to build, the Lego Icons range is aimed at adults – rather than childen.

The new Countach is a sizable creation, too, measuring around 34cm (13 inches) in length and 16cm (6.5 inches) across.

Enthusiasts will be able to purchase the Lego Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole from 4 July 2024. The model’s recommended retail price is £159.99.

Buy a Tesla now and get 15,000 miles of free Supercharging

By

John Redfern

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June 11, 2024

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Buying a new Tesla this month? You will now receive free access to the company’s public Supercharging network.

It marks a welcome return for a major Tesla perk, which has been offered at various times to help promote the American marque’s electric cars.

UK customers taking delivery of a new Tesla will now receive the equivalent of 15,000 miles of free Supercharging with their purchase.

Free Supercharging included

There is a time limit on Tesla’s new Supercharging offer, however. To take advantage, customers must take delivery of their new car by 1 July 2024.

Tesla does say that the offer applies to both custom orders and pre-configured cars while stocks last. It also notes that the 15,000 miles of free Supercharging can still be claimed ‘if the time of delivery is postponed due to circumstances within Tesla’s control’.

Previously, Tesla offered unlimited free Supercharger access for life on its Model S and Model X vehicles. However, this standard bundle was removed at the start of 2017, in anticipation of the Model 3 entering production.

Sustaining demand for EVs

Tesla enthusiasts in European countries have also reported similar offers to that introduced in the UK. The timing of Tesla Supercharger deal is significant, as the end of June coincides with the company reporting new vehicle sales for the second quarter of 2024.

Tesla experienced a fall in deliveries during the first quarter of this year – the first time this had occurred since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.

Elon Musk’s company is locked in battle with China’s BYD for dominance of the global electric car market, and has also been dealing with a softening demand for EVs.

Tesla Cybertruck police car is ready to protect and to serve

By

John Redfern

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June 10, 2024

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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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