So you think you’re a film buff, do ya? How far would you go to prove it? Would you spend thousands of dollars and dozens of hours to reconstruct physical totems of your fandom? If you’re nodding along enthusiastically, then you might just be among Eaglemoss’s target demo. It’s a purveyor of licensed collectibles and models that includes one of the coolest, most involved sets of automotive film model cars we’ve ever seen. Eaglemoss’ Die-Cast Club Garage currently features 1:8 models of the Aston Martin DB5 from the James Bond classic Goldfinger; the supercar forefather, the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing; the Nissan GT-R from The Fast and the Furious; and the most iconic movie car of all time, the DeLorean from Back to the Future. The DeLorean model measures in at over 50 cm long, featuring metal body panels, gullwing doors, a detailed interior complete with flux capacitor, and working lights that glow blue like all good time machines.The model Bond car is similarly complex, with Q-approved features like rotating tire slashers, an ejector seat, hidden machine guns, rotating license plate, functioning horn and a concealed radio telephone. But what sets these models on a whole other level of nerdiness isn’t their attention to detail – though that’s impressive ,too – but the way in which fans purchase them. Because you can’t just up and buy any of these cars. Eaglemoss has positioned the collectibles as “build-up” models, with subscribers getting shipped “issues” each month that include parts to add to the vehicles along with various other memorabilia and collectibles. And none of the builds is cheap or super-expedient. The DeLorean comes together after 130 monthly issues at, totalling US$1,646.75. Or for the real BTTF fans, there’s an extra 30 issues to bring the machine up to spec with that of the third and final series instalment. The Bond car is a little more affordable, with 86 issues and a total build price of US$1,081.35.The collection has another pair of scale vehicles coming soon, too. The Batmobile from the vintage TV series starring Adam West is on its way, as is the 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor ambulance from the original Ghostbusters
Origin: These complex model movie-car replicas are ‘subscribed to’ and built piece-by-piece
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The Tesla Model 3 AWD scores perfect in new U.S. crash tests
The Tesla Model 3 all-wheel-drive has just earned itself a five-star overall crash rating from American federal highway officials.The popular electric car scored the exact same as the rear-wheel-drive-only model in NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) testing, which is to say, perfect, according to Green Car Reports.The official data hasnt been released, but the dual-motor Model 3 apparently passed with flying colours, scoring five stars for front-and passenger-side front protection; for front and rear barrier and pole protection; and in a calculated rollover test.One of the marks the NHTSA scored against the car was for the lack of dynamic head restraints. The cars active safety features got thumbs-up from the administration, though.Another safety authority, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), was not as keen on the car’s driving aids, specifically because they ramped up owners’ tendencies to think of the car as self-driving.One name in particular (Teslas) Autopilot signals to drivers that they can turn their thoughts and their eyes elsewhere None of these systems reliably manage lane-keeping and speed control in all situations, the IIHS wrote in a report. The NHTSA achievement marks an improvement for the Model 3 compared to when it was last tested, earning better scores for its headlights, and earning the top score for its standard automatic emergency braking system.The Model 3 also earned top scores in Europe, which happens even more
Origin: The Tesla Model 3 AWD scores perfect in new U.S. crash tests
Tesla won’t be updating the Model S or X any time soon
Most vehicles get an “update” every few years, with brands making not-insignificant edits to the interior or exterior – or both – in order to keep models, well, up-to-date. But contrary to rumours circulated earlier this year saying Tesla was cooking up a fall 2019 interior update with premium seats, along with an improved higher-capacity battery, CEO Elon Musk said the company will instead just let the Model S and Model X ride another year.If you’ve been holding your breath for a refreshed model, go ahead and exhale. The 48-year-old exec Tweeted “There is no ‘refreshed’ Model X or Model S coming, only a series of minor ongoing changes” in a reply to a question from a Twitter user.There is no “refreshed” Model X or Model S coming, only a series of minor ongoing changes. Most significant change in past few years was to use high efficiency Model 3 rear drive unit as S/X front drive unit. That went into production 3 months ago. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 9, 2019When the same Twitter user – whose bio, we’d be amiss to point out, reads “Cat Walker | Dog Observer | Creative Director” – replied asking if the Model X would get an “interior revamp,” Musk simply said “no.”The last time the Model S got a considerable update was the first time it got a considerable update. It was born in 2012, and got a new air filtration system, an upgraded on-board charger, a new fascia and an additional pair of wood interior trims in 2016. Meanwhile, Tesla is on track for a record quarter, thanks to increased sales of the Model 3.
Origin: Tesla won’t be updating the Model S or X any time soon
Morgan Plus Six is marque’s first all-new model in 19 years
Morgan has unveiled a new £80,000 roadster, called Plus Six, as the first of a planned series of models to use the company’s brand-new ‘wide body’ aluminium chassis. The Plus Six, shown for the first time at Geneva and making its dynamic debut at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed, retains the distinguishing features of the outgoing Plus 8 – flowing front wings, running boards, round headlights and the famous ‘waterfall’ grille – but is a new design in every detail. The Plus Six is the first all-new Morgan since the Aero 8, revealed 19 years ago. It is powered by BMW’s latest B58 in-line petrol turbo six, producing 335bhp and driving through an eight-speed ZF paddle-shift automatic. There is new Morgan-designed suspension, all independent by double wishbones in the front and a five-link system in the rear. The new car is very light: its extra equipment and crash structure add almost nothing to the 1075kg kerb weight of the outgoing V8-powered Plus 8. This should make the Plus Six the fastest production Morgan in history, pushing the top speed into the 170mph bracket. Despite this, the CO2 output is an impressively low 170g/km. Morgan has named its new chassis CX, Roman numerals that mark the firm’s 110-year anniversary. The new structure uses the same bonded aluminium construction principles as its predecessor but includes more sophisticated crash structures front and rear, and integrated rather than bolt-on suspension mountings for rigidity and weight saving. The new CX chassis provides around 20cm more cockpit length to accommodate bigger drivers, allows bigger doors and leaves decent luggage space. The car’s length and width are almost identical to a Plus 8’s, but the wheelbase is 18mm longer. The body is supported, according to Morgan tradition, by an English-grown ash wood frame. As per Morgan’s traditional nature, ABS is the only electronic driver aid on offer, although the firm says others can be specified later. Cockpit design is traditional, with the separate round tacho and speedo dials mounted centrally, but with a configurable TFT screen ahead of the driver. Morgan will offer its usual wide choice of colours and textures with the Plus Six and has just started building cars for a spring launch. Production is planned at around six cars a week and the company aims to have 200 Plus Sixes on the road by year-end. The first 50 will be fully loaded launch editions priced at £89,995, after which regular production will
Origin: Morgan Plus Six is marque’s first all-new model in 19 years
Tesla Model 3 scores 5stars in EuroNCAP tests
Tesla Model 3 scores 5-stars in EuroNCAP tests The new Tesla has achieved high marks in crash test programmes Tesla’s Model 3 has been awarded a five-star rating by safety experts EuroNCAP. The latest EV from Tesla already held a five-star rating from the US crash test bidy, but now it holds one in Europe too. It achieved a perfect score in the frontal offset deformable barrier crash test – a key element of assessments since EuroNCAP began in 1997 – and a score of 94% is the best yet under the latest protocols in the 2019 Safety Assist tests. EuroNCAP highlighted the Model 3’s driver assist systems as impressing crash testers, which are increasingly important in a vehicle achieving high marks. Other cars to score highly in the latest round of tests include the DS 3 Crossback, which will be available as an E-Tense pure-electric model later this year. It scores four-stars with standard safety equipment, but five when fitted with a safety pack. Earlier this year Audi was awarded five-stars for its e-tron EV, and at the end of last year, Jaguar’s I-Pace achieved the same score.
Origin: Tesla Model 3 scores 5stars in EuroNCAP tests
Tesla paces record quarter for deliveries thanks to Model 3 gains
Tesla saw a record quarter for deliveries, the company said early July, alleviating the worst fears about demand for the Elon Musk-led companys electric vehicles.The Model 3 maker handed over 95,200 cars to customers in the three months that ended in June, exceeding the previous best mark set in the last quarter of 2018. Teslas delivery count exceeded all but one analysts estimate in a Bloomberg News survey.While the results go a long way toward contradicting Teslas doubters, it remains to be seen whether this level of demand is sustainable or profitable. The US$3,750 U.S. federal tax credit buyers were eligible for was cut by half beginning July 1, and deliveries tailed off the last time the incentive shrank. Musk also has said the company will post a loss for the quarter, then report positive earnings in the second half.Tesla also left out of its statement any mention of its full-year forecast for 360,000 to 400,000 deliveries, a projection it re-affirmed in its release a quarter ago. Tesla representatives didnt respond when asked whether the company is sticking with its guidance. It will have to average more than 100,000 units per quarter in the second half to reach the low end of the range.Musk, 48, urged employees to go all out in the final days of Teslas first full quarter in which Model 3s made their way to buyers in Europe and China. Overseas demand contributed to deliveries of the sedan jumping to 77,550 units, more than all the vehicles Tesla handed over in the first quarter.The big picture is that something is happening around electric vehicles, said Gene Munster, a managing partner of venture capital firm Loup Ventures and longtime Tesla bull. The Model 3 is on fire.Several analysts raised their delivery estimates as the quarter came to an end, citing brisk sales to key European markets including Norway and the Netherlands, as well as the effect of incentives that Canada began offering in May to stoke purchases of battery-powered cars. Tesla doesnt break down deliveries by region in its release.One reason Wall Street remains concerned about Teslas profitability is shrinking demand for the higher-margin Model S and Model X. Combined deliveries dropped to 17,650 in the quarter, down more than 20 per cent from a year ago. Investors are concerned the cheaper Model 3 is cannibalizing the companys more lucrative vehicles.Tesla also said orders exceeded deliveries during the quarter and it expects to boost production and hand over more cars in the next three months. The number of vehicles in transit at the end of June was more than 7,400.Teslas Model 3 sales are far outpacing rivals. General Motors sold just 3,965 of its all-electric Chevrolet Bolt in the second quarter, while Volkswagens Audi delivered just 1,835 battery-powered E-Tron
Origin: Tesla paces record quarter for deliveries thanks to Model 3 gains
Ford to launch three new model names by 2024 in Europe
Ford’s rollout of its redesigned European business plan will result in a radical overhaul of its large car range, as the maker confirms three new model nameplates for the region in the next five years. The firm has stated in a release that it is “freshening and expanding its vehicle-line-up in Europe”, with the three new nameplates coming “as it continues to grow its utility vehicle portfolio,” The new models, which are in addition to the new Kuga family SUV, Puma small crossover and not-for-UK Explorer, also include the “Mustang-inspired fully electric performance utility” model, as Ford dubs it. Stuart Rowley, Ford of Europe president, told Autocar that the European focus is on an expansion of its “family utility lineup”, but wouldn’t confirm specific names or models that will be replaced. “We are very focused in orienting our portfolio with where consumers are going. Many buyers are moving into the utility space, but for us the key question is where buyers are going next”. When asked if these new cars would indirectly replace slow-selling D-segment models such as the Mondeo, Galaxy and S-Max, Rowley said the three models “remain part of our product portfolio for now. However, we need to adapt to the changing market”. Alongside this announcement, Ford has released a status report of its European business strategy changes, which will see three new ‘business groups’ – Commercial Vehicles, Passenger vehicles and Imports – established. The organisational changes to implement this will come into force on July 1st. The restructure will means a substantial number of job losses, from a factory worker level up to a managerial rethink. Ford employs around 53,000 people across its European operation, so the cuts represent a total of 22% of its workforce. Including Russia, around 12,000 jobs will be “impacted”, including 2000 salaried positions set to be axed. Around 3,000 jobs will be “affected” in the UK from now until the end of 2020, including 1700 jobs at Bridgend. This is made up of “agency employees, salary employees and management” Rowley stated. By the end of 2020, Ford will have 18 manufacturing facilities in Europe, as opposed to 24 at the start of this year. The leaner structure and strategy rethink mean Rowley expects profitabiity for the second half of this year to “significantly improve” over the £315m loss posted in Europe last year. The long-term goal is to achieve a margin of 6% on earnings before taxes and interest. Rowley also claimed Ford is “on track to meet its obligations” with European Union emissions targets, which will see carmakers face huge fines if they can’t lower their fleet CO2 average by 25% before the end of 2020. It will achieve this by launching 16 electrified models, including eight due to be launched by the end of this
Origin: Ford to launch three new model names by 2024 in Europe
Tesla Model 3 to offer 200kW charging for UK buyers
Tesla has developed a new firmware update for European Model 3 Long Range models that will allow them to be charged at 200kW – making it the fastest-charging car currently on sale in the UK. The electric saloon has been available to order in the UK since May 1, with prices starting from £38,900 for the entry-level Standard Range Plus, which has a WLTP-estimated range of 258 miles. The dual-motor Long Range model starts from £47,900 and can reach 348 miles on a single charge, meaning it takes the lead in Europe as the EV with the longest official range. Deliveries are due to begin in June. With the firmware update, Long Range models can charge at up to 200kW at third party charging stations with the technology, which is currently being rolled out by various firms. Tesla is also developing a fast-charging V3 Supercharger network for Europe, which will allow the cars to be charged at speeds of 250kW. Both the Standard Range Plus and Long Range models come with aerodynamically optimised 18in alloy wheels as standard, with 19in alloys available as an option. Prices include the UK government plug-in car grant. The top-end Performance version, which has a 162mph top speed and can manage 0-62mph in 3.2sec, starts at £56,900. It rides on 20in alloy wheels and includes a Premium interior package, which includes satellite-view navigation with live traffic, a premium 14-speaker audio system and in-car music and media streaming. Tesla’s ‘full self-driving’ autonomous functionality, which is due to roll out later this year, can be added for an additional £4900. The system can be installed post-purchase for £6800. Tesla CEO Elon Musk previously confirmed that UK orders would go live in a tweet, allowing UK customers to place an order before Tesla raises the price of its ‘full self-driving’ autonomous functionality. From 10 May, those placing orders in the US will need to pay an additional $1000 for the feature. The car maker launched its configurator in December for European customers who had already put down a deposit for a Model 3 saloon, which in the process revealed previously unconfirmed pricing and range details. The Model 3 went on show in UK dealerships for the first time at the beginning of the year, with demonstration models on display at Tesla’s London Park Royal and Manchester Stockport locations ahead of right-hand-drive models going on sale. Model 3 owners will not get free access to the Tesla Supercharger high-speed charging system, with the US company planning to charge for electricity as demand grows and it requires more investment to build up its charging network. Tesla’s latest results from the third quarter of 2018 showed that it hit production targets for the Model 3, building 53,239 units. This followed a tumultuous second quarter in which a temporary ‘tent’ was constructed outside the firm’s Californian plant containing another production line so as to increase output. Tesla revealed its Semi lorry in November last year, and this is expected to go into production in 2019. Its next model, the Model Y small SUV, was revealed in March. The highly anticipated Roadster, a sports car that is promised to hit 0-60mph in 1.9sec, is pegged to arrive in
Origin: Tesla Model 3 to offer 200kW charging for UK buyers
Toyota and Subaru join forces to create rival to Tesla Model X
A prototype render of a new BEV platform to be co-developed by Subaru and ToyotaSubaru Toyota and Subaru said early June they’ll join forces once again to create a new Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) platform that will underpin midsize and large passenger vehicles for each brand, though they will also jointly develop an SUV that uses the platform. World markets are undergoing a tectonic shift, with electric vehicles and hybrids gradually expanding their market share. To get new their zero-emissions technologies up to speed as fast as possible, Toyota and Subaru have again partnered together, hoping to draw from both companies’ expertise in order to create an effective BEV platform. Traditional hybrids have worked well in the past for both brands, but this is the first time either will step into the world of fully-electric vehicles. Building a pure EV requires the batteries are essentially part of the body, which necessitates a new platform for both Toyota and Subaru. Following this agreement with Toyota, Subaru will now shift its existing BEV development resources to this new joint project, the automaker said in a statement. Within this new framework, Subaru will continue its efforts to create an attractive BEV SUV for our customers, while improving efficiencies in terms of engineering, development, purchasing, and other areas through the new joint project. Toyota and Subaru first started a working partnership in 2005, and are now creating a deeper connection with the development of this new platform. The first fruit this partnership bore was the BRZ/GT86 sports car, which has been a hit with
Origin: Toyota and Subaru join forces to create rival to Tesla Model X
Tesla’s upcoming Model Y SUV could be built at Fremont plant
Elon Musk is notoriously cagey when it comes to details about his automotive empire. Delivery numbers? Cost estimates? Time frames? Where most other auto manufacturers get their feet held to the fire over such minutiae, Musk and company seem to thrive on a foundation of sand and fog. After introducing the Model Y small crossover earlier this year, questions centred around where exactly the thing would be built. Since it shares much with the Model 3, a logical guesstimate would be for it to share assembly space with its smaller brother. Back in Q4 2018, however, the company stated it would likely utilize the Gigafactory 1 space in Nevada for Model Y production. That seems to have changed, according to a report from CNBC. Citing those in the know, Tesla is looking at pressing its Fremont facility into Model Y production, a plan Musk may have alluded to on an April call with investors. Nothing’s been publicly confirmed. In order for that plan to work, the company would need to shuffle a series of deck chairs at Fremont, a plant which currently produces all three of Tesla vehicles on sale today. Adding the Model Y to that mix would likely require new equipment, gear for which the company has barely begun to place orders, according to sources cited by CNBC. Those same insiders say that making way for the Model Y would necessitate consolidating Model X and Model S production onto a single line. And yes, Tesla’s four vehicles are called S, 3, X and Y. That ‘3’ would have been an ‘E’ if not for the Ford Motor Company crying foul over trademarks and copyrights. Keep in mind that Tesla is planning extensive upgrades to the Model S this year, including an interior that is said to mimic that found in the Model 3. If it utilizes some of the same forms and parts, it could reduce costs, or allow for more flexible manufacturing options at Fremont. The company recently cut production staff and, according to insiders speaking to CNBC, now makes the X and S on weekday
Origin: Tesla’s upcoming Model Y SUV could be built at Fremont plant
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