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 [...]
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 [...]
‘Heavy discounting’ sparks new electric car sales surge September 5, 2024 New electric vehicle (EV) registrations jumped in August as “heavy discounting” by manufacturers and a raft of new models tempted consumers to make the switch. The latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveal a 10.8 per cent increase in battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations in the last month. BEVs now [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Profit slumps by over £400m at Lloyds-owned car leasing firm August 27, 2024 Profit at the car leasing company owned by Lloyds Bank slumped by more than £400m during 2023, it has been revealed. Lex Autolease, which is headquartered in London, has posted a pre-tax profit of £124.4m for its latest financial year, according to newly-filed accounts with Companies House. The new total comes after the business posted [...]
New Maserati GT2 Stradale is an MC20 racer for the road August 21, 2024 Maserati has pulled the wraps off a new track-focused supercar. The MC20-based GT2 Stradale made its world debut as part of Monterey Car Week in California. Designed with circuit use in mind, Maserati has created an extreme version of its flagship MC20, with direct inspiration from the marque’s latest GT2 race car. More horsepower, and [...]