World Rallycross could come to Coventry city centre!

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May 30, 2024

The big-selling BMW 3 Series has received a host of detailed changes inside and out for 2024.

Both the 3 Series Saloon and Touring estate have received the changes, being the second midlife update since it was launched in 2018.

With more than 20 million examples of the 3 Series sold since 1975, getting this core model right is hugely important for BMW.

As such, there is no radical facelift here, but the subtlest of enhancements to ensure BMW’s compact executive saloon and estate stay on top of their game.

Evolutionary exterior design

Only the most fastidious of BMW enthusiasts will notice the redesigned bumpers and side sills, although there are new 19-inch alloy wheels for those picking an M Sport model.

The addition of Arctic Race Blue metallic and Fire Red metallic mean there are now nine paint options to choose from.

A simple petrol lineup starts with the 184hp four-cylinder 320i, featuring a rear-wheel drive layout. A big jump takes buyers to the six-cylinder M340i, with a substantial 374hp and xDrive all-wheel drive.

An eight-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox is standard across the 3 Series range, but steering-wheel mounted paddles are included.

Diesel ditched for more hybrid range

The updates for 2024 have removed a stalwart of the 3 Series range, with there now being no diesel engine option available.

Instead, this leaves the plug-in hybrid 330e as the likely preferred choice for fleet managers, although it too has received extra attention.

A larger 19.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack allows for an official range of up to 63 miles on electric power alone.

Charging should also be easier, with speeds of up to 11kW now supported, allowing the battery to be fully replenished in 2 hours 15 minutes.

More equipment, but fewer buttons

On the inside, BMW has pared down the number of buttons on the dashboard, with the iDrive touchscreen gaining more functions. This means the climate control and heated seats are all operated through the infotainment screen, although BMW’s rotary iDrive controller remains.

The latest generation of BMW’s iDrive operating software allows for more customisation of how the central display and digital instrument panel look.

A new ‘QuickSelect’ bar is intended to let drivers reach key functions without the need to delve through endless menus.

There are also new steering wheel designs, a larger range of interior trim, and even the option of Crafted Clarity crystal-effect finishes for the gear selector and iDrive controller.

On sale now for deliveries this summer

The 3 Series range begins with Sport trim, with 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors, and three-zone climate control all included. BMW’s Live Cockpit Pro digital instrument panel, and a curved infotainment screen with satellite navigation, are also standard.

Prices for the BMW 3 Series start at £39,045 for the 320i in saloon form, with the 330e plug-in hybrid requiring at least £46,080. The range-topping M340i costs from £57,845.

Orders can be placed for the updated BMW 3 Series now, with production expected to begin in July 2024. The first deliveries to customers should happen later in the summer.

Guildford’s Katherine Legge to tackle Pikes Peak hillclimb

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May 29, 2024

British racing driver Katherine Legge will compete in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb next month.

The Guilford-born driver will be competing for the first time in the famous event, which sees competitors climb 1,440 metres (4,720 feet) over the 12.42-mile Colorado course.

Legge suffered mixed emotions at the recent Indianapolis 500 race, having endured a nail-biting fight to qualify. However, engine failure saw Legge forced to retire early from the race.

Despite her extensive motorsport history, having raced in everything from sports cars to NASCAR, this is the first time Legge has competed at Pikes Peak.

A magical race to the clouds

“This is a race that I’ve wanted to compete in since I first heard of it, which is for as long as I can remember,” Legge said.

“The legacy of this event is enormous, and so many famous drivers have tackled the mountain: the Unsers, the Dallenbachs – including my friend Paul – Parnelli Jones, Mario Andretti, Rick Mears and Michèle Mouton. I can’t wait to get there! It’s magical and something I’m not taking lightly!”

For 2024, Legge will drive an Acura Integra Type S DE5, developed for production-based touring car racing.

A relative of the Honda Civic Type R, the Integra features a 360hp turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, combined with a six-speed paddle-shift transmission.

Paul Hubers, from Honda’s Auto Development Center, will also be racing an Acura Integra A-Spec at Pikes Peak.

Reaching for new heights

Winning at Pikes Peak would be another achievement in Legge’s career. She holds the record for the fastest Indianapolis 500 qualifying time, and was the first woman to win a major open-wheel race in North America in 2005.

Acura is just one manufacturer looking for victory at Pikes Peak in 2024.

Hyundai has already announced that it will use multiple versions of the high-performance electric Ioniq 5 N. The Korean brand is pursuing victory in the electric production SUV/crossover category, with a pair of near road-legal cars.

Volkswagen has the outright record at Pikes Peak. Its time of 7min 57.15sec was achieved by the electric ID. R racer in 2018.

Special Audi RS 4 celebrates hot estate’s 25th anniversary – for £115k

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May 29, 2024

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To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the original RS 4 estate, Audi has announced a special limited-edition model.

Aptly named the Audi RS 4 Avant Edition 25 Years, the celebratory hot wagon will deliver more power and the option of retro-inspired colours.

A host of other important upgrades will be included, but just 50 examples are set to be offered to UK Audi enthusiasts. And a six-figure price tag guarantees it elite status…

Party like it’s 1999

Now into a fourth generation, Audi released the original RS 4 in 1999. Based upon the B5 Audi A4 platform, it featured a twin-turbocharged 2.7-litre V6 engine, combined with Quattro all-wheel drive.

In 2001, Audi launched an upgraded RS 4 Sport version, with lowered suspension, Recaro bucket seats, and a performance exhaust.

We have previously had the chance to experience the RS 4 Sport that forms part of Audi UK’s heritage fleet.

For the new RS 4 Avant Edition 25 Years, Audi has followed the trend created by that first Sport model. This means a boost in power for the twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 to 470hp, with 443lb ft of torque.

The 0-62mph time drops by 0.4 seconds to 3.7 seconds compared to a regular RS 4, with the top speed increased to 186mph.

Drop it to the floor

Along with the hike in power, the RS 4 Avant Edition 25 Years benefits from a sports exhaust system, carbon ceramic brakes, and coilover suspension. This drops the RS 4 10mm closer to the floor, with a further 10mm of lowering available by manually adjusting the suspension.

This should give the RS 4 Avant Edition 25 Years a perfect stance over its 20-inch lightweight forged alloy wheels.

Other design highlights include gloss black side window trim, a black inlay for the tail lights, gloss black badging, and the removal of the standard roof rails.

A matt carbon fibre styling package adds a new front splitter, rear diffuser, and side mirror caps. Special ‘RS 4 Avant Edition 25 Years’ lettering is engraved into the rear windows, too.

For Audi Sport enthusiasts

On the inside, a set of carbon fibre-backed bucket seats are another throwback to the RS 4 Sport, as is the extensive use of Alcantara. Yellow stitching is used extensively, and there is a sequentially numbered build plaque found on the centre console.

Buyers will be able to pick from Nardo Grey, Mythos Black, and a special Audi Exclusive Imola Yellow paint colour.

Prices for the RS 4 Avant Edition 25 Years begin from £115,800, although the retro-tastic Imola Yellow version will require £119,180.

Orders can be placed now, with fans likely needing to move fast to secure one of the 50 cars destined for the UK.

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Here’s how YOUR CAR could become a Hot Wheels die-cast toy

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May 29, 2024

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Would you like to see your car transformed into a die-cast model? Now is your chance, courtesy of Hot Wheels and its Legends Tour.

Now into its seventh year, the Hot Wheels competition allows car owners to compete for the opportunity to have their pride and joy recreated in 1:64 scale – and then sold in the shops.

To enter, you need to upload a short video and a brief description highlighting your vehicle’s creativity, authenticity and ‘garage spirit’ to the Hot Wheels Legends Tour website. The deadline is 5 July 2024.

Hot Wheels heading to Birmingham

According to Hot Wheels, the judging panel – which includes the company’s designer, Craig Callum – is looking for evidence that owners have committed early mornings, late nights and plenty of determination to help their car stand out from the crowd.

The Gravity Show, held at the NEC in Birmingham on 24 and 25 August, will host the three finalists. The UK winner then competes against aspiring car builders from around the world at the global semi-final on November 2, followed by the global grand finale on November 11. The overall champion will be transformed into a die-cast toy sold around the world.

Unlike in some sporting competitions, the UK has a good track record here. For the past three years, the British winner has reached the grand finale. And in 2021, Lee Johnstone’s 1969 Volvo P1800 ‘Gasser’ won the competition.

One-off customs to modified supercars

Ted Wu, head of design for vehicles at Hot Wheels’ parent company, Mattel, said: “The UK always blows us away with unique cars that are worthy of being recreated as Hot Wheels.

“From sleeper classics from the 1960s and 1970s, wild one-off customs, iconic race cars to the latest dramatic modified supercars, the sheer diversity and quality make the UK final a tough judgement, but it always offers true legends.”

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Ducati honours Senna with limited edition Monster motorcycle

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Ayrton Senna celebrated with limited edition Ducati Monster motorcycle

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May 28, 2024

McLaren pays tribute to Senna with F1 livery and custom supercar

Italian motorbike manufacturer Ducati has announced a special version of its famous Monster, dedicated to the late F1 driver Ayrton Senna.

Wearing a special livery created by Centro Stile Ducati, just 341 examples of the Monster Senna will be made.

It is the latest tribute to the Brazilian icon, who died 30 years ago in a tragic accident at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.

The McLaren Formula 1 team raced in a special Senna-inspired livery at the recent Monaco Grand Prix – and created a one-off Senna supercar in tribute.

Celebrating the life of Senna

The Monster Senna wears a commemorative livery, featuring the yellow, green and blue colours used on the Brazilian’s racing helmet.

The livery extends to the front Brembo brake calipers, and even the tags on the lightweight forged alloy wheels. Blue is used for the seat, which also has an embossed Senna logo.

Powering the Monster Senna is a 937cc ‘Testastretta’ V-twin engine, producing 111hp and 69lb ft of torque.

Öhlins suspension, an aluminium subframe and carbon fibre mud guards all help reduce the dry weight of the Monster Senna to 175kg.

A historic partnership

This is not the first time the Senna name has appeared on a Ducati motorbike. During the early 1990s, Senna became close friends with then-president and owner of Ducati, Claudio Castiglioni.

Senna received a 851 SP from Castiglioni in 1990, and became one of the very first owners of a Ducati Monster 900 when it was launched in 1993.

In March 1994, Senna agreed a deal with Ducati to put his name on a limited-edition version of the 916 superbike. Production was delayed due to Senna’s death, but later restarted with the approval of his family.

In 2013, Ducati announced a limited-run 1199 Panigale S Senna, which was only sold in Brazil.

Ready for collectors now

Each of the 341 examples will come with a unique serialised plaque on its steering head. A special bike cover and a certificate of authenticity will be included, too.

Limiting production of the Monster Senna to 341 examples is no coincidence. The ‘3’ represents the number of Formula One World Championships won by Ayrton Senna, with the ’41’ standing for his total number of Grand Prix victories.

Orders can be placed for the Ducati Monster Senna now, with UK prices starting at £23,500.

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At last, a beautiful BMW! Skytop concept is our first look at new Z8

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May 28, 2024

BMW creates modern tribute to a classic Art Car

BMW has revealed a brand-new roadster concept at this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este event in Italy.

Announced on the shores of Lake Como at the weekend, the Skytop is described as a one-of-a-kind tribute to classic BMWs.

However, the two-seat sports car could potentially be ready to leave the show stand and become the German marque’s new flagship model.

‘Dynamics and elegance’

Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design, said: “The BMW Concept Skytop is a truly unique and exotic design, in the tradition of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este”.

He added: “It offers a combination of driving dynamics and elegance at the highest level, comparable to its historic ancestors, like the BMW Z8 or BMW 503.”

The debut of the Skytop concept marks the 25th anniversary of the BMW Z8 roadster entering production. As such, the car borrows a number of design cues from its ancestor.

Thin LED tail lights are a particular throwback to the car from 1999, as is a strict two-seat layout. The car’s headlights are said to be the thinnest possible, based on current lighting technology.

Pleasingly, BMW has not grafted on the gigantic front grille that its recent models have become infamous for. Instead, a traditional and well-proportioned kidney grille is used, albeit one that is illuminated.

Leather-clad luxury inside

Looking through the Skytop’s removable ‘targa’ roof reveals an interior that will look familiar to anyone driving a current BMW.

The steering wheel, digital dashboard and centre console all appear to be plucked straight from the production line, but with some extra design flourishes.

Red, brogue-style leather has been used extensively throughout the Skytop’s cabin, and also covers the fixed roll hoop behind the seats.

The pair of removable targa roof panels are also clad in leather, while crystal detailing can be found on the steering wheel and gear selector.

Twin-turbo V8 performance

Being a concept car, technical details for the Skytop are thin on the ground. However, there is no hint of electrification here; BMW has confirmed the car uses ‘the most powerful V8’ in its range.

That means a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8, offering the potential for up to 635hp in the M5 super saloon.

BMW took just two years to launch a production version of the Z8 after it was first displayed at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show.

With familiar underpinnings and technology, creating a showroom version of the Skytop could also be a quick turnaround. Let’s hope so.

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More signs needed for public EV charging points, says AA

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May 28, 2024

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Public electric vehicle chargers need clearer signs to help raise awareness of charging networks across the UK, according to the AA.

The breakdown company said adding charging costs to existing petrol station price boards, changing the parking sign ‘P’ on a blue background to a green one and introducing digital displays ‘would help advertise the locations in the public realm’.

Meanwhile, the AA says the number of breakdowns for electric cars that have run out of charge has ‘steadily fallen over the past few years’. Just over two percent of EV callouts are now due to a flat traction battery.

EV drivers need ‘clear advice’

AA president Edmund King said: “It’s important that drivers interested in making the switch to EVs are given clear information and advice. Ensuring definitions around chargers are the same will help people understand what they are likely to use while they travel across the country.”

“With around 50 percent growth in EV charge points in the last year, it is unsurprising that the number of callouts for EV drivers running out of charge has also fallen to just over two percent of callouts.

“One of the top reasons drivers say they are hesitant to switch to EVs is their concern about lack of public chargers. Updating the signs to make them more visible will help EV drivers find chargers more quickly and show other drivers that the network is rapidly growing.”

How do you find EV charging points?

There are numerous different ways to find your nearest public charging points. One of the most popular is to check Zap Map, which shows the full extent of the UK’s EV network.

Its interactive map allows you to zoom in via a town name or postcode, then use several filters to narrow the search. These include connector types (rapid, fast and slow), charging network (Ionity or BP Chargemaster, for example), location type and whether payment is required.

Google Maps also has the ability to locate electric car charging points. Not only can you find your nearest charger – or points along a chosen route – you can also add the plug used by your EV into the preferences.

Finally, many EVs allow you to locate your nearest charger via their dashboard infotainment system or a connected smartphone app. All Teslas have a built-in Trip Planner, for example, which provides an efficient route to your destination, taking into account the company’s Supercharger stations along the way.

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UK councils have ‘inconsistent’ approach to pothole repairs

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May 27, 2024

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Motorists face a postcode lottery when it comes to pothole repairs, reveals new research, with local authorities taking differing approaches to decide whether or not roads are fixed.

According to the RAC, just under a third (29 percent) of the 206 councils in Great Britain with responsibility for roads don’t publicly state any criteria for repairing potholes. And a little over a third (35 percent) list specific pothole depths, and in some cases widths as well.

Meanwhile, 76 local councils (37 percent) state they take a ‘risk-based approach’ to deciding which potholes to fix and how quickly.

The RAC says these differing strategies mean members of the public who proactively report potholes to local authorities with a view to getting them repaired ‘may often be left frustrated’ when no action is taken. And that potholes may simply be left to get larger in order to merit repair criteria.

‘Worse roads for all’

Meanwhile, the breakdown giant claims there is ‘precious little consistency’ among councils on how they fix potholes. East Riding Council – which uses a risk-based approach to repairing road defects – ‘very positively’ explains that it inspects all reported potholes within 24 hours, fixing the most urgent within the same timeframe, then clearly sets out how it prioritises repairing the remainder.

By contrast, Redcar and Cleveland Council does not appear to have a single page on its website that even references potholes, nor an ability for people to report them online.

As such, the RAC says use of size-based criteria could be used by councils as a means of ‘kicking the can down the road’ and avoiding the cost of repairs.

‘Urgent need for new guidance’

RAC spokesperson Rod Dennis said: “Just reporting a road defect doesn’t guarantee it will get fixed. In some cases, councils state a pothole needs to be sufficiently deep or wide to be considered for repair. This can be enormously frustrating for anyone who comes across one, reports it, but then witnesses it get even bigger and more dangerous as it didn’t quite reach a council’s threshold for repair.”

“We believe there is an urgent need for Whitehall to provide fresh guidance to councils to bring about consistency when it comes to prioritising potholes and taking action to fix them.

“We’re also concerned about reports that some councils are refusing compensation claims from drivers who have damaged their cars from potholes, by stating they already have them scheduled for repair – even if that repair isn’t due for months.”

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National Highways will use AI to monitor roadside trees

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May 23, 2024