McLaren’s legendary boss has been ousted – but says he’ll launch a technology investment fund next year November 15, 2016 Legendary McLaren boss Ron Dennis said today he has been "required to relinquish his duties" as chairman and chief executive after pressure from shareholders. Last week it was reported that Dennis had backed a £1.65bn takeover bid for the Formula One team and the technology arms of McLaren. However, shareholders TAG and Mumtalakat weren't impressed, [...]
Volkswagen Passat GTE review: The car the autumn statement is out to get November 14, 2016 A few years ago, company car drivers cottoned onto the tax advantages of the hybrid Toyota Prius, with its low CO2 emissions. Then, suddenly, they were everywhere – no longer limited to being the eco-warrior’s favourite mode of transport. The same happened with double-cab pick-up trucks, as company tax rules classed most pick-ups as commercial [...]
Audi TT RS review: Ferociously fast and deeply desirable, the new Audi TT RS is a potent package November 8, 2016 A hotted-up hatchback for hairdressers or a half-price Audi R8? The TT RS splits opinion, at least as far as preconceptions are concerned. In reality, the flagship TT is a serious rival for the Porsche Cayman and, on paper at least, every inch the junior supercar. One figure in particular stands out: 3.7 seconds. That’s [...]
This “simple man” just spent £7m on a car number plate November 1, 2016 What do you buy the man who has everything? One Dubai zillionaire just solved that problem, by spending a cool £7.3m on a number plate. Property developer Balwinder Sahni bid 33 million dirhams at a government auction for a number plate bearing the number five, according to CNN Money. It's not the first time Sahni has [...]
McLaren 570GT review: McLaren’s most practical supercar yet October 31, 2016 My secret vice, a Monday-night indulgence after others have retired to bed, is the US drama Ballers. It’s about American football players, their cars, their women and a never-ending desire to make more money. It’s cheesy and downmarket, but an addictive pleasure. It’s in the same basket as Coronation Street, but with a cast of [...]
Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its X-Class pickup truck and it’s an absolute monster October 26, 2016 Ever wondered what luxury car enthusiasts do when they have to, say, haul a cow carcass across many acres of rough farmland? Well, wonder no more – for Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its X-Class pickup truck, and it is a total monster. Mercedes said its first "premium truck" comes in two catchily-named versions. First, the "powerful adventurer", featuring all the strengths of [...]
Government ups the ante on “Plug-in Van Grant” by committing addition funds for businesses October 22, 2016 The government is offering UK firms subsidies of up to £20,000 for switching their large trucks to electric vehicles. Business and energy secretary Greg Clark made the announcement during a three day trip to Japan to meet top executives from Nissan, Honda and Toyota – all of which have considerable manufacturing operations in the UK. Read more: Apple's driverless car plans [...]
Forget the Prius. The hybrid Hyundai Ioniq is soon to become the Uber car of choice October 17, 2016 The meteoric rise of Uber minicabs means more and more of us are familiar with the passenger experience in the backseat of an (invariably slightly stained) Toyota Prius. Indeed, an investigation by Motoring Research found the Prius minicab to be more ubiquitous in London than even Addison Lee’s black Ford Galaxys. But is it any [...]
Mercedes F1 engines fuel £130m investment in Britain October 12, 2016 German car manufacturer Mercedes has revealed that the production of the V6 engines used by its Formula One team contributes around £130m to the British economy. Mercedes clinched its third consecutive F1 championship on Sunday and is on track to win the drivers' title with either Britain’s Lewis Hamilton or his team mate Nico Rosberg [...]
Caterham Seven Sprint review: This limited-edition car isn’t as old-fashioned as it looks October 10, 2016 Whether it’s retro cars, vintage clothes or Instagram filters on photos, making new stuff look old has never been so popular. Perhaps we yearn for simpler times – or maybe we’ve just run out of ideas. Either way, if the retro-future looks half as good as the Caterham Seven Sprint, I’m all for it. The [...]