Porsches Macan GTS is back for 2020 after a three-year hiatus, and now it has more power, more tech and a slightly higher price.Powering the GTS is a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 making 375 horsepower and 383 lb.-ft. of torque. With a PDK transmission and the Sport Chrono package, the small crossover can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds, some 0.3 seconds faster than the previous Macan GTS.Top speed is now a rule-breaking 261 km/h.The standard GTS comes with Porsche Air Suspension, which includes Active Suspension Management tech, and the vehicle has been lowered by 25 millimetres for better handling.The exterior has changed slightly, and features a revised fascia, new front and rear trim with side skirts and LED headlights and taillights. Cast-iron brakes with painted red calipers are standard, but carbon-compsite brakes are an available option. A set of 20-inch RS Spyder Design wheels round out the exterior changes.Inside the Macan, the sporty theme is continued with a large instrument panel and infotainment screen. Alcantara adorns the centre panels of the eight-way adjustable sports seats, the centre console armrests and the door panels, and aluminum trim is found everywhere else. A GTS interior option is available that adds Carmine Red or Chalk stitching, as well as a Bose sound system and wireless charging.All this sportiness will cost a little bit more money than the previous model at $77,100 in Canada, its $4,000 more than it was in 2017. Deliveries should start summer
Origin: The 2021 Porsche Macan GTS now makes 375 hp and tops out at 261 km/h
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New Lotus Evija electric hypercar makes dynamic video debut
The new Lotus Evija, an all-electric hypercar claimed to be “the most powerful production car in the world”, has entered its initial build phase at the company’s facility in Norfolk, UK. The announcement, which comes as the car makes its Chinese public debut at the Guangzhou motor show, also comes as dynamic testing of the car begins at Lotus’ Hethel test track. A new video (below) shows the car being driven at speed for the first time. Gavan Kershaw, Director of Vehicle Attributes at Lotus, says “Physical prototype testing at speed is a landmark moment for the Evija and hugely exciting for everyone involved. Our aim is to make sure it’s a true Lotus in every sense, with exceptional performance that’s going to set new standards in the hypercar sector.” While most track testing will be done at Hethel, Lotus claims it will use other demanding European circuits, too. “Over the coming months several prototypes will cover many thousands of miles and hundreds of hours of driving assessment, including on public roads” the maker said in a release. Production will commence fully in the middle of next year. An output of 1973bhp is promised, which is more than the upcoming 1888bhp Pininfarina Battista and Rimac C_Two, and the 1479bhp internally combusted Bugatti Chiron currently in production. No more than 130 of the two-seat hypercars will be built, each priced at £2.04 million. “Target specifications” include four-wheel drive, 1254lb ft and torque vectoring, giving it a 0-62mph time of less than three seconds, a 0-186mph time of less than nine seconds and a top speed of 200mph-plus. A production slot can be reserved with a refundable £250,000 deposit. The Evija, apparently pronounced ‘E-vi-ya’, will be Lotus’s first new-model launch under Geely ownership, and is the maker’s first all-new model for more than a decade. It will be made at the company’s traditional home in Hethel, Norfolk, and will act “as a ‘halo’ for the rest of the Lotus range” both now and for “new Lotus performance cars to come”. The car pictured here in a studio is for show, but Lotus’s design director, Russell Carr, told Autocar that “this is how it’ll be on the road. This is very much the production car. All the surfaces are made to production level.” The Evija, which is codenamed Type 130, is low and broad, at 4.59m long, 2.0m wide and 1.12m high. According to Lotus, it “marks the beginning of a contemporary new Lotus design language”. “We wanted from the start to do something that was pure, simple, but have a sense of luxury and elegance about it,” said Carr. “On the outside, we started by thinking ‘what are the existing factors from the Lotus DNA that we want to keep?’, and really important for us were the strong haunches you see on the car. It’s very important when you’re sitting inside that you can see the corners of the vehicle – it helps you place the car on the track. It’s also just a very emotional thing to see the bodywork; rearwards as well.” “We have the cabin sat low within those fenders, which are really important to us because the car’s all about dynamics,” said Carr, “and if the cabin sits low and the fenders are pronounced, you have the impression that the car’s got a low centre of gravity.” Around the overall design simplicity come some advanced aerodynamics (see Carr QA, below), which direct air flow over, under and through the car, creating a complex body shape with vast scoops running through the rear three-quarters, and exiting at the back. The design is permitted by the adoption of electric drive. “That certainly gives us a lot more freedom, yes,” said Carr. “You’ve obviously got battery packs that can be placed in certain places, and it’s certainly different from a traditional combustion engine, and we’ve tried to exploit that as much as possible.” Lotus hasn’t yet revealed how many electric motors the car will have or where they’ll be positioned, but its partnership with Williams Advanced Engineering – which is, among other things, the supplier of batteries to the Formula E grid – will be key to the Evija’s performance. Lotus said the Evija will have a 70kWh battery, capable of being charged at up to 350kW, enabling an 18-minute charge with a WLTP range of around 250 miles. The charge port is at the rear of the car. Construction is from carbonfibre, both for the chassis and the body. Light weight is core to all Lotus models and the Evija weighs several hundred kilos less than the Battista and C_Two are reported to be, although they have more battery capacity. Even so, at 1680kg, the Evija is likely to become the heaviest Lotus ever. Despite this, Lotus boldly claims it will “set a new standard for Lotus driving performance” and be “the most dynamically accomplished road car in the history of Lotus”. Inside, the carbonfibre construction remains visible in what’s a relatively spacious cockpit. “The start point is a floating beam, this open instrument panel you can place
Origin: New Lotus Evija electric hypercar makes dynamic video debut
1985bhp Aspark Owl makes debut in Dubai
Japanese manufacturer Aspark has revealed its debut hypercar, which it claims to be “the fastest-accelerating car in the world”. The 1985bhp Owl, which made its public debut in Dubai this week, can achieve 0-60mph in 1.69sec – around 0.6sec faster than a Tesla Model S P100D. This rapid acceleration is delivered by four permanent magnet motors, which generate approximately 1475lb ft of torque. The Owl was originally announced as a concept at the 2017 Frankfurt motor show. The production version will gain an automatically extending spoiler, digital cameras integrated into the wing mirrors and an interior redesign that sees controls and switches moved to the ceiling. A 64kWh lithium ion battery is of a much smaller capacity than those in competing electric hypercars from the likes of Rivian and Lotus, with the aim of reducing weight. The car’s chassis is made from carbonfibre, as is most of its other components, contributing to a dry weight of 1900kg. Although rapid acceleration and a theoretical top speed of 249mph are the Owl’s main selling points, the hypercar is also claimed to be capable of 280 miles of range. Prices for the Owl will start from just under £2.5 million. Aspark will produce only 50 cars globally, with first deliveries beginning in mid-2020. Production is due to take place in Italy, in collaboration with Manifattura Automobili
Origin: 1985bhp Aspark Owl makes debut in Dubai
Custom Dodge Challenger gets stolen, wrecked in police chase, still makes it to SEMA
A Dodge Challenger show car with 1,000 horsepower was stolen just before this years SEMA convention and crashed but still managed to make it to the show floor on time.The car was built by Quintin Brothers Auto and Performance in Vermont, who sent it to Las Vegas where the SEMA parts convention is held. The Challenger was reported stolen on October 30, when it was swiped from the overflow parking lot of the Main Street Station Casino.According to local news, Nevada Highway Patrol was at some point dispatched to the parking structure of the Rio Hotel and Casino, where they found the stolen vehicle. In an attempt to stop the thief from leaving, an officer parked in front of the car, but before he could leave his vehicle, the Challenger rammed into the side of his cruiser and proceeded to escape the parking complex.The vehicle was later abandoned at The Boulevard Mall and then given back to its owners to display at the show. We were in shock, we couldnt imagine that anything like this could ever happen, shop co-owner Cole Quintin said. It looks like they were living in the thing, but they only had it for about 11 hours.The front end was smashed in the hit-and-run police chase, making it look more like a drift missile than a straight-line star. Were sure that with 1,000 horsepower it would burn up the rear tires either way. Props to the builders on still showing the car, even though everyone wouldve completely understood if theyd decided not to. The 2020 Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak, unveiled at the 2019 SEMA Show, delivers sportsman racers a new, turnkey package loaded with suspension and chassis upgrades and is certified for NHRA and NMCA competition. Production is limited to 50 serialized units. Mopar Speaking of Challengers, Mopar itself had a little debut at SEMA heralding the return of the Drag Pak after a five-year hiatus. The fourth generation of the special edition makes more power than the previous version, according to Mopar, and the previous version made 1,200 horsepower and ran mid-7-second quarter-miles, so hold onto your socks for the official numbers.That massive output comes courtesy of a supercharged 5.8-litre V8 coupled to a manually shifted three-speed automatic transmission. Mopar will build 50 of the
Origin: Custom Dodge Challenger gets stolen, wrecked in police chase, still makes it to SEMA
The best car Alfa Romeo makes, the 4C Spyder, is now dead
2016 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Just a few months after the death of the coupe version of the Alfa Romeo 4C, were seeing the Spyder version also being flushed down the drain, killing the model completely.The wonderful little car was touted for its excellent road feel and handling prowess; it was also the last official car to be available without power steering, which is what made it great in the first place.The 4C was powered by a 1.7-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that churned out 237 horsepower, more than enough to move the carbon-fibre-tubbed vehicle around. A scant weight of just 895 kilograms didnt stand in the way, either. As Alfa Romeo restructures itself to be a more restrained company, the small sports cars days were numbered anyway. The Giulia and Stelvio are still around to take the place of the performance section, but the focus will no longer be on fun, but instead on profitability. As FCA is poised to become a larger presence in Europe, a place where Alfa Romeo hasnt sold a city car since the MiTo, it will have to rethink how it approaches vehicles.The merger between FCA and PSA could have something to say about the death of this vehicle, but with the word around FCA being rationality, its unlikely well see a small, two-seat sports car for quite some time under the Alfa Romeo brand
Origin: The best car Alfa Romeo makes, the 4C Spyder, is now dead
Hardcore Alpine A110S makes public debut at Tokyo
The Alpine A110S has made its public debut at Tokyo motor show, having first been revealed in August. The flagship model, which went on sale in September, is priced from £57,590 in the UK, including the cheapest paint option. The S commands a £6780 premium over the mid-range Légende variant, and can be specced in a range of five colours, the most expensive of which, matt grey, costs £4440. A new set of 18in black alloy wheels is exclusive to S trim, and a contrasting carbon roof can be equipped for £2208. Inside, the standard leather-Alcantara sports seats can be replaced with a pair of carbon-backed buckets for £1656, while bespoke floormats with blue stitching can be added for £110. Driving aids such as hill start assist, cruise control and tyre pressure monitoring are equipped as standard, but a rear parking camera is optional at £480. The new A110 S is, according to the company, a true “focused sports car” with a “very different character” from existing versions of the two-seater. The new range-topping variant of the mid-engined Alpine is built around a reworked version of the 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, with the turbo boost pressure increased by 0.4 bar. That means the unit’s peak power output has risen by 49bhp to 288bhp, which arrives at 6400rpm, 400rpm higher than previously. Torque remains at 236lb ft but is available from 2000rpm to 6400rpm, 1400rpm higher than in a standard A110. Retaining the seven-speed automatic gearbox from the standard Alpine, the A110 S can cover 0-62mph in 4.4sec – a 0.1sec improvement – and its top speed is 162mph. The A110 S retains the same aluminium body but has a different chassis configuration, with new stiffer coil suspension springs, retuned dampers and firmer anti-roll bars. The ride height has been lowered by 4mm to increase stability. There are new wheels and new bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres (215mm at the front, 245mm at the rear) for increased mechanical grip. Brembo brake calipers with 320mm bi-material discs – available as an option on other A110 variants – are standard and the firm has reworked the electronic stability control. Overall, the changes have increased the car’s weight slightly, from 1103kg to 1114kg. Jean-Pascal Dauce, Alpine’s engineering boss, said the changes were all designed with a focus on “high-speed stability and handling precision”. But he added that it would remain a “usable everyday car. The A110 S wouldn’t be a true Alpine if it was too firm or too hard riding to be driven day to day.” As well as the mechanical changes, the A110 S features a number of bespoke styling elements, including carbonfibre and orange flag details on the rear pillars, orange brake calipers and a new wheel design. Inside, the A110 rangetopper comes with new upholstery and stitching, a leather steering wheel and aluminium pedals. Buyers can also opt for a carbonfibre roof, which reduces the car’s weight by
Origin: Hardcore Alpine A110S makes public debut at Tokyo
New Toyota Mirai fuel cell vehicle makes public debut
Toyota’s dramatic new Mirai Concept, which previews the second-generation version of its hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, has been shown in public for the first time at the Tokyo motor show. A production version of the car will go on sale in late 2020. The new hydrogen-powered concept is described as “a final-stage development model of the second-generation Mirai” and Toyota promises a major step forward in fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) technology. It claims the new model offers a 30% increase in driving range over the current model, which has a range of just over 300 miles, along with improved driving performance. The new Mirai Concept is built on Toyota’s latest TNGA platform and features dramatic new styling, including a revamped front with a bold grille and a sweeping, coupé-esque rear. Toyota claims increased body rigidity and a lower centre of gravity than the original Mirai. The concept measures 4935mm long and 1885mm wide, with a wheelbase of 2920mm. It sits on 20in wheels and retains the four-door saloon layout of the original Mirai, which was launched in 2014. The interior has also been reworked. It features a 12.3in central touchscreen and a digital instrument display, with many of the controls moved to the centre of the dashboard. Notably, the Mirai now has five seats instead of the original’s four, which, Toyota says, has been enabled by a reworking of the hydrogen fuel cell configuration. Aside from the claimed increase in range, Toyota has not given specific details of development work done on the fuel cell powertrain. But it says the system, including the fuel cell stack, has been entirely redesigned and offers increased hydrogen storage. It also claims the work on the system ensures a smoother, linear response, along with improved
Origin: New Toyota Mirai fuel cell vehicle makes public debut
Chevrolet’s 1LE package makes you want to drive your Camaro lap after lap
Camaro 1LE Ron Fellows Driving ExperienceClayton Seams / Driving In the old days, you used to be able to build some weird cars.I dont mean the cars themselves were weird, but that you could ask your cheerful local Chevrolet sales manager to build you a car in one of an assortment of odd combinations: so many engines, big or small, to be paired with interiors, luxurious or sparse.Today, cars pretty much come in well-defined packages. The big engine only comes with the nice leather seats and the handling package. The small engine is available with a stick only if you forgo the luxury options.But there are exceptions. Just like in decades part or, perhaps, much like Burger King Chevrolet will still let you have it your way at least a little, pairing its 1LE track package with any of the four engines available in its new Camaro.Not only that, the 1LE mechanical package is independent of the four luxury option groups (thats 1LS, 1LT, 2LT, 3LT). This means you can order a track package on a Camaro with any engine and any level of luxury trimmings. You can get a lightweight 2.0-litre Turbo with cloth seats and base infotainment to get maximum value; or you can heap your plate high with a supercharged 6.2-litre ZL1 and the full luxury treatment. Now I dont have a calculator handy to tell you how many combinations are possible, but suffice it to say they are many. So to test out the 1LE package on various Camaro models, I went to the Ron Fellows Driving Experience at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. There, on the big track, we would have the chance to put these 1LE cars on track and see how they compare.So what makes a 1LE a 1LE? Well, it depends on the engine choice. The 1LE contains different bits to match the output. On the four- and six-cylinder cars, it includes the uprated suspension from the SS; 20-inch wheels; four-piston front Brembo brakes; a mechanical limited-slip diff; and a track cooling package with diff, oil and transmission coolers.Step up to the V8 SS model and you get Magnetic Ride Control; an electronic limited-slip diff; six-piston Brembos up front; Recaro front seats; and a dual-mode exhaust system. The ZL1 takes things even further by adding Multimatic dampers with adjustable front ride height, adjustable front camber plates and huge 305-section front and 325-section rear tires.The first car I hopped into was the SS 1LE with a manual transmission and the naturally-aspirated 455-horsepower 6.2-litre V8. Its as close as youll find to a classic muscle car formula in Chevrolets lineup, which is perhaps why it offered proper muscle car noise. Out on the big track, the 6.2-litre could really stretch its legs, and the wide torque band meant few shifts were needed.The upgraded four-piston brakes from the 1LE package were more than up to the task and felt great diving into corners hard. Visibility has never been a Camaro strong suit, and the impaired vision across the A-pillars and low windshield sometimes reduced driver confidence around undulating and tight turns on-track.The SS is an extremely fun car to drive. You can feel it wiggling around under power and sliding around turns. It doesnt feel like a car youd want to set blazing hot lap times in, but you could. It feels like a BRZ with some actual power. And thats high praise.Next up was the world-beating top-of-the-line ZL1. Still 6.2-litres but with a burly supercharger stacked on top of it the ZL1 makes a full 650 hp. Though the ZL1 is available with a stick, the test car had the new ten-speed automatic transmission. No typo: ten speeds.On track, the ZL1 is an entirely different animal than the SS. The playful sliding has been replaced by relentless grip. The ZL1s flanks are peppered with blade-like aero bits, and I have to assume they actually work, because this car sticks harder the faster you go. The massive summer-only Goodyear tires probably dont hurt much, either. The ZL1 simply grips and goes exactly where you point it.The other big difference from the SS is the 10-speed automatic. Whereas I rarely had to shift the six-speed manual around the track, I felt like a Formula One driver ratcheting down through gear after gear in the braking zones. With ten gears to choose from, it almost doesnt matter which one you choose. You could drive through a turn quite happily in 4th, 5th or 6th. It may have been better to let the transmission shift for itself, but I didnt have enough laps to mess around with it in full automatic mode.The ZL1 was also the most fun down Mosports hilly back straight. The ZL1 would come out of Moss corner with a vengeance and storm to 160 km/h almost faster than the speedometer needle could move. Letting all 650 hp pin you in your seat for several seconds without worry of encountering the constabulary were some of the best moments of the day.But the crux of this is that the 1LE package opens up that fun track experience for anyone with coin for a new Camaro. Even the 2.0-litre guys can join in the fun.
Origin: Chevrolet’s 1LE package makes you want to drive your Camaro lap after lap
New BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé makes first public appearance
BMW has rounded out its new 8 Series line-up with the Gran Coupé. The new four-door 8 Series will go on sale in September after its Frankfurt motor show debut, priced from £69,340. The Gran Coupé joins the 8 Series Coupé and Convertible with a line-up that will comprise six-cylinder and V8 models, including the rapid new 516bhp M850i xDrive Gran Coupé. The 8 Series Gran Coupé replaces the discontinued 6 Series Gran Coupé in a growing market segment that will place it up against high-end versions of the Audi A7 and Mercedes-Benz CLS, as well as the Porsche Panamera. At 5082mm long, 1932mm wide and 1407mm tall, the 8 Series Gran Coupé is 239mm longer, 30mm wider and 66mm taller that its coupé sibling. This added length is partly the result of a 201mm-longer wheelbase than that of the 8 Series Coupé and Convertible, at 3023mm. It allows for two extra frameless doors and rear seat space that’s on a par with its predecessor’s. The 8 Series Gran Coupé has a traditional boot at the rear, with a 440-litre capacity. The load length can be extended when the 40/20/40-configured rear seat is folded down. The engine choices for the 8 Series Gran Coupé mirror those of its siblings. The entry point to the new line-up is the 840i turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol unit, which develops 335bhp and 369lb ft of torque. It can be had in rear- or four-wheel drive and the 0-62mph times are 5.2sec and 4.9sec respectively. Fuel consumption is 39.2mpg combined. Also available is the diesel 840d, with a 3.0-litre inline six making 316bhp and 501lb ft. The 0-62mph sprint is dispatched in 5.1sec and claimed economy is 47.9mpg. Crowning the initial 8 Series Gran Coupé range is the M850i xDrive, which has a 523bhp turbocharged 4.4-litre V8. With a kerb weight of 1995kg, it is claimed to hit 62mph from rest in 3.9sec and return 28.8mpg combined economy. All engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, with the 840i and M850i xDrive both featuring an M Sport rear differential. Rearwheel steering is standard on four-wheel-drive cars and optional on rear-driven models. Later this year, BMW’s M division will launch even more powerful M8 and M8 Competition variants of the new four-door featuring a twinturbo 4.4-litre petrol V8 with 592bhp for the M8 and 616bhp for the M8
Origin: New BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé makes first public appearance
New Audi A1 Citycarver: rugged supermini makes public debut
The new Audi A1 Citycarver, a more rugged, off-road-inspired version of the firm’s compact supermini, has made its public debut in Frankfurt. Based on the standard A1 Sportback, the Citycarver receives roughly 2in of additional ground clearance with the addition of larger wheels and an upgraded suspension set-up. However, it is positioned as a more city-focused ‘urban crossover’ than the brand’s fully-fledged Allroad models. Adding to its robust image is a protective bodykit similar to that fitted to Audi’s range of larger Allroad models, comprising contrasting wheel arches and side sills, with a stainless steel skidplate enhancing the supermini’s off-road credibility and durability. At the front, the Citycarver is differentiated from the standard A1 with two distinctive slots below the bonnet shut line and a matt black honeycomb grille, while the rear bumper has been redesigned to more closely resemble Audi’s Q2 and Q3 compact SUVs. The Citycarver can be equipped with two petrol engines taken from the A1 line-up: the 114bhp 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged 30 TFSI engine, or the larger 148bhp 1.5-litre 35 TFSI. Nine colours are available, with buyers able to select a grey or black contrasting roof. The stainless steel and grey exterior trim elements can be finished in black with the addition of an optional styling package. Inside, trim accents finished in copper, mint, orange or grey mark the Citycarver out from the standard A1. A 10.1in touchscreen, voice control, Bang and Olufsen sound system and digital instrument cluster feature as standard, too. Three trim levels will be available at launch. Design Selection adds interior mood lighting over entry-level Advanced, with range-topping S Line offering a leather interior, roof spoiler and larger alloy wheels. To celebrate the new model’s arrival, a special edition will be available for a limited time. The A1 Citycarver Edition One is finished in grey or orange, sits atop range-topping 18in alloy wheels, has tinted light clusters and features black exterior trim all round. The A1 Citycarver will be available to order in the UK from September, with deliveries to follow later in Autumn. Prices are yet to be announced, but given the level of standard equipment equipped it can be expected to exceed £30,000 in higher
Origin: New Audi A1 Citycarver: rugged supermini makes public debut
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