Lotus Evija electric hypercar is, according to the British marque, the worlds most powerful production car, but it looks to be a lot more than just that.The car, revealed July 16, is the first completely new vehicle Lotus has built in decades, but it looks like the wait was worth it.The entire monocoque is made of carbon fibre, and weighs a scant 284 pounds; magnesium wheels take even more weight off, and its got carbon-ceramic brakes hiding behind them. The entire vehicle weighs just 1,680 kg, which is actually fairly light considering where most electric sports cars these days fall on the scale.Speaking of electricity, it has 70 of them. Kilowatt-hours in the battery, that is. Maximum output is a whopping 2,000 kW, which can send the vehicle to 250 km/h in just nine seconds, and way over that not much later. Each of the four electric motors has a target output of 492 horsepower, making for a combined output equivalent to 1,968 horsepower. This ticks all the boxes for a hypercar it even nails the looks, with an aesthetic perfect for a bedroom wall poster, though so does everything else these days. The back of the vehicle looks like Spider-Mans mask, and with almost 2,000 horsepower on tap, youd better hope that its as sticky as the webslingers fingers. The four-wheel-drive will help, as will the Pirelli Trofeo R tires.The battery is also placed behind the driver instead of underneath the floor; Lotus says this gives the car a better look, better weight distribution and better handling.The price? Dumb. You shouldnt even ask, but since you are, its 1.7-million pounds ($2.7 million). Yowww, that is just insane. Only 130 customers will even have the chance to fork over that kind of cash for this thing now we totally get the Evijas code name, the Type
Origin: The Lotus Evija is a 2,000-hp electric hypercar
Ford is reportedly building a Bronco-based pickup truck
The new Ford Bronco hasnt even been seen in the flesh yet, and were already hearing rumours about possible offshoot versions, in particular a possible pickup variant to take on the new Jeep-truck.According to Automobile magazine, citing industry analyst AutoForecast Solutions, Ford will add an open bed to the not-yet-unveiled Bronco, with production of this pickup trim starting in July of 2024.Thats a full four years after the Bronco SUV is expected to debut.Now, like us, you make be confused, because the Bronco itself is built on the upcoming Ranger platform, which is already a pickup truck. Why a second truck take on the same platform? Possibly because boxy, retro-looking SUVs and trucks are in now, as evidenced by the coming-in-hot return of the Jeep Gladiator.If Ford is truly gunning for the Gladiator, that means the Bronco pickup will likely be a crew-cab, with a smaller bed in behind. Ford is allegedly also working on another, smaller version of the Bronco that could possibly be dubbed the Bronco Scout. If reports can be believed, that will be a small unibody truck based on the Ford Focus architecture. Its possible that vehicle will morph into another small pickup, maybe called the Courier.We have no doubt this truck will sell like hotcakes; the small pickup truck market is on fire right now, and Ford is understandably keen to throw its hats into as many rings as possible. The 2020 Ranger will have to fill the boots until 2024, when the appetite for small pickups will hopefully remain
Origin: Ford is reportedly building a Bronco-based pickup truck
66 Years of Corvette complaints: a history of hating America
A 1977 Chevrolet Corvette.Chevrolet The Corvette is Americas sports car. Sure, it wasnt the first to come along, and it has seen plenty of competitors come and go, but GMs plastic two-seater remains the favourite sports car of a nation.Today we have the National Corvette Museum, where various models are enshrined (when they arent being restored from sinkhole damage).And on any given weekend, you can find several Corvettes (along with their fashionably dressed owners) at basically any classic car show.Still, the Corvette has not existed free of criticism. From its troubled beginning as a flimsy show car, professional car reviewers have not held back on sharing their honest opinions on the Corvette.Having been obsessed with Corvettes since well, before I was eating solid foods, Ive built a veritable library of period road tests of the model. And so on the eve of the C8s debut, I pored over my collection of Corvette road tests and found the rudest things reviewers said about each of the seven generations so far.C1: 1953 to 1962The production C1 Corvette was born haphazardly out of GMs Motorama show, and its kinda evident when examined up close. Most reviewers were simply happy Chevrolet was actually building the thing, but it wasnt all roses. Especially in the handling department.A driving impression not entirely favorable concerns cornering, said Motor Life in 1954. The outlet said it showed a definite unwillingness to tuck back in after flinging the back end out in a corner, and mentioned that the ride was not as comfortable as other Chevrolets.From its clean design in 53, the Corvette had grown a smattering of Harley-Earl-dictated chrome details by 1958, some of which displeased the editors of SCI magazine. They disliked the washboard-like phony louvers on the hood and Pontiac-like chrome strips on the trunk. In regards to handling, the magazine said it would simply plow right off the road as power was applied. Hardly high praise!Yes, the C1 Corvette had a handling problem, and by 1961 it still hadnt gone away. When either end of the Corvette does swing out in a corner, it swings pretty quickly and without much warning , so some vigilance is required said SCI in a 1961 road test. In 1962, Motor Trend found the ergonomics rather poor and the build quality even worse, but still said the car was completely satisfying.They said the steering wheel is mounted in a vertical position and most drivers will find it too close.It also leaves little room between the drivers lap and the bottom of the rim. This and the miserably mounted throttle pedal (it kept falling off) are the only real beefs we have about this otherwise completely satisfying car. So the C1 was ill-handling, was (in some years) covered with chrome trinkets and had old-world ergonomics. But lots of that would change in 1963.C2: 1963 to 1967The C2 Corvette was a revolution. Benchmarked against the new Jaguar E-Type during development, the C2 was fast, beautiful, and technically advanced. Made only for a short spell, the C2 is now the classic Corvette. But what drawbacks did the car have when it was new?I tried to find evidence to support the oft-repeated tale that reviewers found the split rear window annoying and found absolutely nothing to support that. Even when turning a critical eye to the car, most reviewers had very few bad things to say about it. Some equated it with the contemporary Ferrari 250 GT. But it wasnt perfect.In 1963, Car and Driver said On bumpy turns its at its worst, veering freely from one course to another, making high-frequency corrections standard operating procedure. Regarding the four-wheel drum brakes, the magazine noted fade is easily provoked. Four-wheel discs would be introduced in 1965 to quell that issue.But by 1967, Car and Driver was still unhappy about the handling. The Sting-Ray rides softly and vaguelyyoure never sure what the car is trying to tell you, editors wrote. In all, reviews here were fairly positive. Maybe the C2s classic status is well-earned.C3: 1968 to 1982The C3 is possibly the most misunderstood car ever made. Its definitely the most misunderstood Corvette. I own a beat-up 1970 model, and nearly caught fire after I claimed it was the second-best Corvette generation of them all. Over its lengthy 14-year run from 1968 to 1982, it morphed from a no-nonsense sports car bristling with power and seething with lumpy-cam attitude; to an overweight, outdated fashion statement on aluminum wheels.The fastest and most powerful Corvettes of the classic era were C3s and the slowest and least powerful V8 Corvettes were also C3s. The complaints I found for the C3 reflect this shift.Early complaints for chrome-bumper cars like mine point to its brutal, animalistic nature. In 1968, Car Life said, The 427 rides like a truck. It shakes so badly on normal roadways that you have to hang on to the wheel just to keep it from bouncing out of your grip. The fiberglass body twists like a snake, and the big V-8
Origin: 66 Years of Corvette complaints: a history of hating America
Man used case of beer as booster seat for tot: OPP
A 30-can case of beer being used as a booster seat for a childOPP OPP say a man has been charged after he used a case of beer as a substitute for a booster seat for a two-year-old.Provincial police stopped a sedan on a road in Atwood, near Listowel, Ontario, around 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday.They say officers observed the toddler seated on a 30-can case of beer.2-year-old unharmed in @NorthPerth1 when @TwpWellNorth driver used a case of beer for a booster-seat. Driver charged w/ failing to ensure child properly seat-belted. Children under 40lbs require child-seat and under 8years80lbs49 require a booster ^JC #WellingtonOPP #PerthOPP pic.twitter.com/EmWqmT62R3 OPP West (@OPP_WR) July 10, 2019The 22-year-old driver was charged with failing to ensure that a toddler is properly secured in a vehicle.Police also say family and children services were notified so his name was not
Origin: Man used case of beer as booster seat for tot: OPP
MG ZS EV: first 1000 UK buyers receive £7000 discount
MG has revealed that UK prices for launch editions of its first fully electric model, the ZS EV, will be significantly less than both the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia e-Niro. MG will match the government’s £3500 plug-in car grant for the first 1000 ZS EV buyers in the UK, bringing the entry-level ‘Excite’ variant’s list price down to £21,495. The same offer also applies to more luxurious ‘Exclusive’ trim, which costs £23,495. Owners of these early models will receive a free home charging point, which will be installed at no extra charge by MG. Once the first 1000 examples have been sold, the ZS EV will be available from £24,995, including the government grant. Although largely unrivalled in its position as a value electric compact SUV, the ZS EV represents a much more affordable alternative to the Kia e-Niro, which starts from £32,995 after grant. The ZS EV’s chief rival, Hyundai’s Kona Electric, is priced slightly higher at £27,250, but is currently off-sale in the UK, with prospective buyers encouraged to join a waiting list. Like Hyundai and Kia, MG is applying a seven-year warranty to all ZS models sold in the UK. The discounted price for the first 1000 models puts the ZS EV among the cheapest electric cars available in the UK. The ageing Citroen C-Zero is the only mainstream EV available for less, at £17,020 including the grant. The ZS EV was first revealed at the Guangzhou motor show in China last year, and will be sold alongside the existing petrol versions of the ZS. The UK-bound ZS EV makes use of a front-mounted electric motor, producing 141bhp and 260lb ft. The car’s water-cooled 44.5kWh lithium ion battery is good for a 163-mile range on the WLTP test cycle, and is capable of rapid charging from flat to around 80 per cent capacity in half an hour. Styling changes over the conventionally fuelled model are minimal, and limited to the integration of a charging point in its blanked off grille, and the addition of a newly designed set of 17in alloy wheels. Inside, standard equipment includes an 8in touchscreen, satnav, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth and DAB radio. The ZS prioritises interior space and practicality, with a split-level boot and several hidden storage areas maximising load capacity. “We’re delighted to be entering the electric car market at such an exciting time,” said Daniel Gregorious, MG’s head of sales and marketing. “With MG’s trademark value-for-money approach, we’re confident that we can help more and more new car buyers to go electric.” UK sales of the EV weren’t confirmed at the its global debut last year, but now come as part of the steady growth of the MG brand worldwide and its transition to being a maker of SUVs. MG is enjoying sales success in China, under the ownership of SAIC. Last year, it sold 134,786 cars, a significant increase over the 80,389 sold in 2016. That success accelerated in 2018; MG had already surpassed its 2017 total by the end of August, having sold 179,109 cars. China is the world’s largest market for electric cars, and ranges in excess of 250 miles are now the norm there, rather than the exception. The ZS EV first made its debut alongside the new HS SUV, which is understood to be lined up to replace the GS in MG’s UK range later this
Origin: MG ZS EV: first 1000 UK buyers receive £7000 discount
Tesla streamlines UK line-up with model price overhaul
Tesla has reconfigured its UK pricing structure and range as part of a move towards a simpler and more concise global line-up. The most significant alteration is the discontinuation of entry-level Standard Range variants of both the Model S luxury saloon and Model X SUV. To compensate for the reduction in choice, prices for both models in Long Range trim have been brought down by £800. In line with the removal of these Standard Range variants, Tesla has sought to distinguish the two remaining trim options with a £6300 price hike for the top-spec Model S Performance, and an increase of £5900 for the equivalent Model X. These two options are now available from £91,800 and £96,400 respectively. All Model S and X Performance variants will come as standard with the brand’s Ludicrous Mode, which brings 0-60mph times down to 2.4 seconds for the saloon and 2.7 seconds for the SUV. Lower down the range, the Standard Range Plus variant of the new Model 3 is now available from £36,490 (after application of the government’s £3500 plug-in car grant), a saving of £1560 over its initial £38,050 launch price. Meanwhile, prices for the dual-motor Model 3 Long Range Performance, which is capable of ultra-fast 200kW charging, have risen £550 to £49,140. This trim comes equipped as standard with performance wheels and a carbonfibre spoiler, and offers a 162mph top speed. A Tesla spokesperson said: “In order to make purchasing our vehicles even simpler, we are standardising our global vehicle lineup and streamlining the number of trim packages offered for Model S, Model X and Model 3. “We are also adjusting our pricing in order to continue to improve affordability for customers. Like other car companies, we periodically adjust pricing and available options.” UK pricing for the Model Y seven-seat compact SUV is still yet to be officially confirmed, with first deliveries not anticipated to take place before 2022. In the US, the new model is being offered from £35,500 in 300-mile Long Range
Origin: Tesla streamlines UK line-up with model price overhaul
Lotus CEO Phil Popham on the Evija hypercar, future plans and Brexit
Lotus has just revealed the 1973bhp Evija, the all-electric hypercar it claims will be “the most powerful production car in the world”. Talking to Autocar at the reveal event, CEO Phil Popham explains the thinking behind the Evija and the next steps for the iconic sports car brand. Why have you chosen to build a car like this — so exclusive and expensive? Popham: “We believe that if you want to make ripples, you have to made a splash. If you want to be on the map, you have to make a mark. This car shows what our future can be like. It shows what we can do, and it paves the way for future visionary Lotus models.” Does it mean you’re planning a succession of hyper-expensive models? “First of all, our 10-year plan, which we call Vision 80, contains a commitment to be ‘for the driver’, first, last and always. Lotus models will always be at the heart of driver involvement and enjoyment. But the range of cars we have now runs from the mid £50,000s to well over £100,000 and we see our core future models, apart from our new Hypercar, as continuing to be in the that range. Having said that, we do believe the Lotus brand has the equity to go beyond where it is. But that’s not our immediate strategy.” What is your immediate strategy? “After we’ve built our 130 hypercars we’ll concentrate on rebuilding our core sports car range. We will have a combustion-powered sports car to show you towards the end of next year, for sale after that. Beyond that car, every Lotus, in whatever segment, will have a full electric version.” There’s been a suggestion that in your journey towards electrification you might skip hybrids all together… “That is certainly an option.” How much will you grow under the 10-year plan? “Let’s start from the beginning. We made 1700 cars last year, but as it currently stands Hethel make over 5000 on a single shift. That means over 10,000 on a double shift — and I believe we’ll outgrow Hethel in its current guise. After all, we have an ambitious plan to move into new segments.” What will you do when you’ve outgrown Hethel? “We can either do something radical at Hethel, or we can move somewhere else as well. But it’s important to say that making cars in different locations wouldn’t change the DNA of the company. We won’t build anything unless it’s a) profitable, and b) can be called a true Lotus. And we’d never made the same car in multiple locations.” Isn’t your ‘For the driver’ strap-line rather time-limited? Surely we’re moving closer to full autonomy? “I don’t believe it will become time expired. Progress with other, much bigger manufacturers tends to focus on mobility and ownership models, which are leading to cars becoming commoditised. But a Lotus will always be a car to use and enjoy in your leisure time. But we’ll certainly harness some of the great technology of the future.” How do you believe Brexit is affecting Lotus? “Our message to the government over the past three years hasn’t changed: we just need to get this deal done. And it now looks like that’s what will happen. Even if we exit without a deal, we believe other deals will be done; we have hundreds of years of history as a trading nation to help us through. Meanwhile at Lotus we’re taking short-term contingency steps. We’re planning for some disruption. But nothing about Brexit will change our core
Origin: Lotus CEO Phil Popham on the Evija hypercar, future plans and Brexit
Ferrari invites public to its factory for the first time
If you, like many of us, cannot afford to don a pair of Italian leather driving gloves and slip into your Ferrari to go for a Sunday drive, chances are you havent been to the Maranello factory where these masterpieces are built.But now, the Prancing Horse is letting John Q. Fezza-fan into its stable for the first time ever, for a special event that showcases many highlights from the storied brands past.The event is called Universo Ferrari, and it will have exhibits cover everything Ferrari, including but not limited to classic cars; racing; and its latest vehicles. Universo Ferrari will be open to the general public, which for fans of the brand will be a very special thing, and something Ferraris never done before.The highlight of the event will be the brands new flagship, the SF90 Stradale, shown there for the first time outside of an auto show. The SF90 Stradale is more powerful than the LaFerrari but will have a regular production cycle like the other vehicles in the lineup, which means no production cap. Universo Ferrari will take place in a standalone structure that has been built especially for the event, which means it may become part of the regular Ferrari calendar of events if its popular (which it will be). Currently, Ferrari Racing Days commemorates the brands racing efforts and history annually.Ferrari will make more information over the next few weeks typical
Origin: Ferrari invites public to its factory for the first time
Best lease deals of the week: Large hatchbacks
Leasing can be an affordable, practical route into having your own private car, but it’s not always easy to tell the good deals from the duds. The experts at our sister magazine What Car? work hard to find you the best pay-monthly schemes, taking into account mileage allowance, montly outlay, contract length and initial deposit. We’ll be bringing you the best deals they find from a different segment each week. This week, it’s large hatchbacks: 1. BMW 620D GT SE Auto £2608 deposit, £435 per month, 48 months, 8000 miles per year The replacement for the 5 Series GT makes better sense thanks to an interior from the new 5 Series, the dimensions of the large 7 Series and a truck load of technology. Divisive styling but top-notch quality. 2. Audi A7 Sportback 55 TFSI S Line Quattro S Tronic £2858 deposit, £476 per month, 24 months, 8000 miles per year Don’t be fooled by those sleek lines – the A7 Sportback is a spacious and comfortable car. Its 3.0 TFSI bi-turbo petrol engine produces 335bhp for 0-62mph in 5.3sec. 3. Ford Mondeo 1.5 Ecoboost Zetec Edition £1475 deposit, £246 per month, 48 months, 8000 miles per year Once the default choice for keen drivers, the Mondeo has since lost ground to fresher rivals but it still represents great value for money. 4. Peugeot 508 1.6 Puretech GT Line Auto Fastback £1346 deposit, £224 per month, 24 months, 8000 miles per year Stylish looks inside and out and delivering composed handling, the 508 is a new contender in this class but those looks come at the expense of rear cabin space. 5. Skoda Superb 1.5 TSI SE £1373 deposit, £229 per month, 48 months, 8000 miles per year Not only great value for money, but exceptionally roomy, practical and surprisingly agile. The 148bhp 1.5 petrol may look modest on paper but its relaxed nature suits the Superb and its economy is good. 6. Volkswagen Arteon 2.0 TDI Elegance £1709 deposit, £285 per month, 48 months, 8000 miles per year Solidly built, spacious and a strong, long-distance but frugal tourer. However, it isn’t quite as stylish or distinctive as its name implies and it sorely needs a six-cylinder engine in the line-up. For more great personal business lease deals visit What Car?
Origin: Best lease deals of the week: Large hatchbacks
New concours event welcomes younger entrants with under-$30k class
A brand-new automotive concours event in Newport, Rhode Island is taking steps to make classic car shows more accessible for the next generation. ‘Bout time!The first-ever Audrian’s Newport Concours Motor Week will be hosted by Rhode Island’s Audrian’s Automobile Museum, and is scheduled to take place over four days in early October.And in a refreshing effort to keep the next generation from getting discouraged by classic car prices that tower higher than their life savings, the event creators have decided to include a 30 Under 30 class. “The 30 Under 30 is a class designed for hobbyists under thirty years of age who have not spent more than $30,000 on their project,” the concours website reads. “This class has been developed to encourage young people to get involved in the hobby of car collecting and restoration.” “By having this officially judged class, it is our goal to foster growth within the collector hobby, by showing young people that collecting and restoring is not just for the affluent, and isn’t limited to cars in the hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars.”The 30 Under 30 entrants will be displayed and judged (by Jay Leno, among other experts) alongside 23 other ‘regular’ classes on the final day of the event, which will include other, much more expensive cars, including the pre-Second-World-War classics typical of concours. Other concours highlights include a Tour d’Elegance.The event should draw a crowd, and not just because there will be millions of dollars of classic cars there; John Legend is also scheduled to perform at the International Tennis Hall of Fame.The inaugural event will take place at multiple venues in Newport from October 3 through 6, with proceeds going to a variety of local non-profit organizations. Entries are closed for this year, but guest tickets are still available on the official
Origin: New concours event welcomes younger entrants with under-$30k class
All about car 