Audi S3 2024 review: Grown-up hot hatch still has a wild side September 24, 2024 Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Audi S3 has undergone a host of upgrades, aimed at making it more exciting than ever before. First introduced in 1999, the Audi S3 was the forerunner of the modern premium hot hatchback. Combining all-wheel drive with a turbocharged engine, the S3 has inspired a number of imitators since. For [...]
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio review: A blast from the fast September 20, 2024 After nine years, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio should probably be shuffling off arthritically into the sunset. Instead, this old stager has come out fighting, with a second facelift designed to keep it competitive with the BMW M3 and Mercedes-AMG C63. A case of too little, too late? The Guilia has always been beautiful, so [...]
Lotus Theory 1 concept signposts future of electric sports cars September 19, 2024 The wraps are off a radical new electric concept car from Lotus, designed to showcase the ‘future of intelligent performance vehicles’. The Lotus Theory 1 demonstrates the British company’s new design manifesto – and reveals new technological innovations. From robotic textiles and haptic feedback on the inside, to recycled materials for its exterior, the Theory [...]
Caterham Seven 360R review: It’s coming home September 19, 2024 Growing up in Caterham, Surrey, at house number seven, I felt a strong connection to the local company that once lined up on the Formula One grid. It was exciting peering into the nearby Caterham Cars showroom (now a retirement home), but driving a Seven 360R – collected from Caterham’s new factory in Dartford – [...]
UK signs trade pact with Thailand in bid to boost exports September 18, 2024 The UK has signed an enhanced trade pact with Thailand in an effort to boost British exports and drive investment. Trade minister Douglas Alexander inked the enhanced trade partnership (ETP) agreement with Thai commerce minister Pichai Naripthaphan in Bangkok this morning (Wednesday). It came during the Blair-era minister’s first visit to Asia after being re-elected [...]
Porsche 911 S/T 2024 review: Combining the 911’s best bits September 9, 2024 Mehr-minder, literally translated as ‘more-less’, was Porsche’s official name for the M471 option package. Ticking that box back in 1970 would transform your 911 S into a lightweight, stripped-out ST, with Plexiglass windows and body panels made from aluminium, glassfibre or thinner-gauge steel. In essence, it was a road-legal racing car. Only 33 examples of [...]
Revealed: Aston Martin Vanquish roars back with 835hp V12 September 2, 2024 Aston Martin has unveiled its new Vanquish GT car, marking the return of a famous name for the first time since 2018. Replacing the DBS Superleggera, the reborn Vanquish promises to deliver tremendous performance, aided by a new twin-turbocharged V12 engine. Lawrence Stroll, executive chairman of Aston Martin, said: “With the introduction of Vanquish we [...]
New Kingsley Defender adds modern luxury to classic Land Rover September 2, 2024 Land Rover restoration specialist Kingsley Re-Engineered has unveiled a series of upgraded classic Defender models. Two Defender restomods have made their public debut at the prestigious Salon Privé car show, held in the grounds of Blenheim Palace. Oxfordshire-based Kingsley has more than 20 years of experience with restoring the Range Rover Classic, having saved more [...]
Porsche 911 European RS by Thornley Kelham 2024 review September 2, 2024 Hal Water had always dreamed of designing his perfect Porsche 911. So, when lockdown forced the retired architect to stay at home, he eagerly set to work. The exhaustive, 33-page specification Walter emailed to Thornley Kelham nailed down every detail, from the car’s gear ratios to its wiper and indicator stalks. Now, after 6,000 hours [...]
Europcar: Airport passengers help UK sales pass milestone August 28, 2024 An increase in people hiring cars at airports helped revenue at the UK arm of Europcar surpass £400m during its latest financial year. The Leicester-headquartered division has reported a revenue of £403.8m for 2023, up from the £363.5m it posted for 2022. Newly-filed accounts with Companies House also show that its pre-tax profit jumped from [...]