Hot Hatch, News, Quirky

VIDEO: SEAT Leon Cupra 300 takes on huskies in ice-race challenge

SEAT’s new flagship Leon Cupra 300 was in Lapland for a fun challenge - to test the brand’s most powerful model to date, against a pack of huskies, in their own back yard. The dogs are perfectly suited to the -5 degree c temperature and can run at up to 25mph while the 300 horsepower Leon Cupra can hit 62mph in 4.9 seconds.. on dry land. The Cupra used its 4Drive function and snow tyres to try and compete with the grip from the snow dogs’ paws in the closely fought battle - which seemed to end honours even.

Hypercar, News, Sports car, Supercar

VIDEO: Lamborghini Huracán Performante breaks Nürburgring lap record

The new Lamborghini Huracán Performante has broken the Nürburgring’s lap record for a production car, with a time of 6:52.01. New lightweight technologies reduce the Performante’s weight by 40kg while active aerodynamics combine with a revised chassis set-up and a further improved, 640 bhp powertrain for a 0-62mph time of 2.9 seconds and a top speed of over 200mph. The most powerful V10 Lamborghini to date will cost just over £173k when it goes on sale in the Summer.

Motor Sports, Motor Show, News, Sports car

VIDEO: Porsche reveals new 911 GT3 in Geneva

Porsche has reveals its new 911 GT3 in Geneva. The German brand says the road car’s 500 horse power, 4-litre engine is virtually identical to the one in the 911 GT3 Cup race car and - with the six-speed sports manual gearbox - it sprints to 62mph in 3.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 198 mph. The new two-seater sits 25 mm lower than the 911 Carrera S while improved aerodynamics such as the large carbon fibre rear wing ensure it stays on the black stuff. The new Porsche 911 GT3 is on sale now priced at just under £112K in the road.

Concept car, Electric car, Luxury, News

VIDEO: Bentley reveals electric EXP 12 Speed 6e concept

Bentley has revealed the all-electric EXP 12 Speed 6e concept. The open-top sports car previews the luxury brand’s electric car strategy and features a new, advanced powertrain which includes rapid inductive charging. Cutting-edge technology and fine materials combine inside the luxurious cabin with plenty of leather and a handmade cut-away steering wheel which comes with an instant boost button on top. Bentley’s electric car roll-out kicks off with a hybrid Bentayga in 2018.

Estate, News, Motor Sports, Sports car

VIDEO: Hyundai tests new performance i30 ’N’ to the max

Hyundai’s first high-performance model - the i30 'N' - is being put through extreme winter testing in Sweden. World Rally Championship driver Thierry Neuville got behind the wheel, powersliding through snow and ice over a frozen lake to get a feel for the new car’s performance and handling. Reporting back to the engineers, the aim is to fine tune the Electronic Stability Control, Limited Slip Differential, steering, suspension and tyres. The Hyundai i30 N is set to hit showrooms later this year.

SUV, 4x4, Motor Show, News

VIDEO: Volvo reveals new XC60 SUV

Volvo has revealed its second generation XC60. The new SUV is described as one of the safest cars ever made - and includes additional new crash avoidance technology such as Steer Assist and Oncoming Lane Mitigation. The all-new model is available with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, while a 407 bhp petrol-hybrid tops the range - delivering a 0-62mph time of 5.3 seconds. The new Volvo XC60 is set to go into production next month.

Hatchback, Hot Hatch, Electric car, News, Motor Sports

VIDEO: Renault unveils ZOE e-sport concept

Renault has taken its all electric ZOE hatchback and added some Formula E race-car knowhow, to create the striking ZOE e-sport concept. The battery-powered hot-hatch is driven by two electric motors delivering a total system output of almost 460bhp - launching it from rest to 62mph in just over 3-seconds. Aerodynamics additions include a flat undercarriage, a rear diffuser and a large carbon fibre tailgate spoiler.

City car, Crossover, SUV, News, Motorshow

VIDEO: Geneva launch for new Vauxhall Crossland X  

Vauxhall has pulled the covers off its new urban crossover - the Crossland X. Seen here with sister company Opel badging, the new model is described as compact on the outside, and spacious on the inside with an SUV-look, and an elevated seating position. Technology features include a head-up display, a panoramic rear view camera and LED headlights. Power comes from a choice of petrol and diesel engines, with manual and automatic transmissions. The Vauxhall Crossland X arrives in showrooms this summer.

Saloon, News, Motorshow

VIDEO: Volkswagen reveals new Arteon in Geneva

The new Volkswagen Arteon has made its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Replacing the CC, the five-door GT becomes the top model in the VW range - and combines sports car elements with the space of a fastback. The Arteon will be available in three trim levels: standard, elegance and R-line - seen here - and comes with a choice of six turbocharged petrol and diesel engines. Top of the range models get the dual clutch DSG transmission and 4MOTION all-wheel drive as standard. Prices for the new Arteon are expected to start from around £30k.

News, Motorshow, Sports car, Supercar

VIDEO: Ferrari unveils the 812 Superfast in Geneva

The Geneva Motor Show has seen the covers come off the most powerful production Ferrari ever - the aptly-named 812 Superfast. Power comes from a 6.5-litre V12 engine, pumping out a hefty 800 PS - 60 more than the F12berlinetta - for a sub 3-second 0-62mph time and a top speed of 211mph. The 812 Superfast is described as having near-perfect aerodynamics and is also the first Ferrari to feature Electric Power Steering. The asking price is expected to be in the region of a quarter of a million pounds.

Concept car, Hydrogen car, News, Motorshow

VIDEO: Hyundai shows new FE Fuel Cell Concept in Geneva

Unveiled in Geneva the FE Fuel Cell Concept previews Hyundai’s next generation of hydrogen-powered vehicles. The FE, which stands for ‘Future Eco’, is inspired by nature and water - the car’s only emission. Power density of the fuel stack  has increased by 30% compared to the current generation system, boosting the car’s range to more than 500 miles. Hyundai says that elements of the FE Concept will influence an SUV Fuel Cell model set for launch in 2018.

Concept car, Motor Show, News, Coupe

VIDEO: Mercedes-AMG unveils GT Concept

Mercedes has revealed its first ever performance hybrid by AMG in Geneva. The four-door GT Concept is powered by a V8 petrol engine coupled with an electric motor for a total power output of 600 kW - which translates in to 805bhp - helping the GT accelerate from rest to 62mph in under 3 seconds. The concept has 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive as well as an F1 derived hybrid powerpack, ensuring that maximum electrical power is always on tap.

4x4, Luxury, News

VIDEO: Brand new Range Rover Velar revealed

Land Rover has unveiled its brand new Range Rover Velar, at a start-studded event in London. The stylish, luxury SUV slots between the Evoque and the Range Rover Sport, and features new slender full LED headlights, flush door handles and state of the art infotainment with 2 10-inch HD touchscreen. The Velar is available in four trim levels and with a choice of six petrol or diesel engines, all mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. On the road pricing starts from £45k for the 2.0-litre diesel, topping out at over £85k for the 3.0-litre V6 petrol powered ‘First Edition’.

City car, News, Consumer, Hatchback, Safety

VIDEO: Fiat 500 and Ford Ka+ offer 'mediocre safety performance’

In the latest round of Euro NCAP’s crash tests, Fiat’s 500 and Ford’s all-new Ka+ scored just three out of five stars apiece. After more than 10 years on the market, the 500 was recently facelifted, but this did little to improve safety, according to a Euro NCAP report which noted poor protection for the driver and rear seat passenger. Fast forward 10 years to Ford’s brand new Ka+, which was described as offering ‘mediocre safety performance’ - lacking the more sophisticated restraint systems offered by most of its rivals, including the Citroën C3 which scored higher marks in the same tests. 

4x4, Quirky, News

VIDEO: Jeep launches ‘Desert Hawk’ Renegade on the Dunes

Jeep has launched a new, limited edition ‘Desert Hawk’ Renegade with a dramatic stunt in which top British Sandboarder, Alex Bird, became the first in his sport to be towed by a car in the UK. Bird reached speeds of up to 40mph, as he performed several stunts and jumps, negotiating 90-foot sand banks. Powered by a 170 bhp 2.0-litre diesel, the Renegade tackled the sand dunes with the help of standard-fit all-wheel drive, an 8.7-inch ground clearance and a dedicated ‘Sand Mode’. On sale now the Desert Hawk starts at just under £29k OTR.

Motor Show, News, Sports car

VIDEO: New McLaren Super Series model breaks cover

A new McLaren Super Series model has been teased in heavily camouflaged guise. Set to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, the second-generation car is said to offer ‘phenomenal stopping performance’ thanks to its standard-fit carbon-ceramic discs and bespoke Pirelli tyres. The new supercar can sprint to 124mph in 7.8 seconds - then brake to a standstill in just 4.6 seconds and 117 metres - second only at McLaren to the the P1.

Sports car, News

VIDEO: Aston Martin unveils Vantage S Red Bull Racing Editions

Celebrating Aston Martin’s recent partnership with Red Bull Racing, the British brand has revealed special edition V8 and V12 Vantage S models. Finished in the F1 team’s Mariana Blue, and inspired by the race car’s livery, carbon fibre detailing includes a front splitter and rear diffuser. On the inside, embroidered headrests and a 12 o’clock steering-wheel stripe add to the sporty interior. The special edition models are finished with a signature from F1 drivers Daniel Ricciardo or Max Verstappen on a commemorative sill plaque.

Quirky, News, Celebrity

VIDEO: Chevrolet builds life-size LEGO Batmobile 

Chevrolet has pulled the covers off a life-size LEGO Batmobile to celebrate the release of “The LEGO Batman Movie”. Inspired by the caped crusader’s ‘Speedwagon’ featured in new movie, the special project measures 17-feet long and uses 344,187 individual bricks. Master LEGO Builders started with the tyres, and then built the car from the ground up around 5 separate lower sections. The special Batmobile will now feature in Chevrolet’s latest ad campaign while the new movie is in cinemas now.

Electric car, Hybrid, News

VIDEO: Toyota reveals new Prius Plug-in

Toyota has revealed its second generation Prius Plug-in. The new car can now achieve a higher maximum EV speed of 84mph, and can also cover twice the distance of its predecessor, more than 30 miles. The Prius Plug-in also debuts a world first range-extending solar roof delivering a 'pumping charge' to the main hybrid battery which, in itself has doubled in capacity. On-the-road prices start at £29,195 after the UK Government’s plug-in car grant.