Autocar UK - 31 August 2022

84 Pages·2022·103.7 MB·English

Proven Technology
T H I S W E E K
‘There are actual guitar strings, on which you
can play actual songs, in the door bins’
29
Issue 6530 | Volume 313 | No 10
NEWS
COMMENT
4
Next-gen R8 Audi halo’s root-and-branch reinvention
8 NEW ARIEL PROTOTYPE
Skoda EVs SUV range-topper leads new-model blitz
10
GR Yaris H Toyota’s hydrogen-combustion racer
2
12 IS ALREADY A SUCCESS
Numberplate theft Cloning crime is rising sharply
14
Apple car US tech giant ramps up Project Titan
16
Car production Prospects are bleak despite growth
TESTED ELECTRIFYING ARIEL HIPERCAR DRIVEN 42 LONG-STANDING
22
MG 4 Is affordable EV a Volkswagen ID 3 beater? readers will know our
26
BMW X7 Mid-life update ushers in new 523bhp V8
admiration for Ariel’s
27
Alfa Romeo Tonale Mild-hybrid crossover hits UK
BYD Atto Chinese EV spearheads major Euro push 29 examples of excellent
30
Mazda CX-60 Does first PHEV drive like a Mazda?
engineering, no better demonstrated
31
Genesis GV80 Diesel SUV, plus updated Ford Focus
32 than by the Atom 4, winner of our
Caterham Seven 420 Cup ROAD TEST
annual Britain’s Best Driver’s Car
FEATURES
42 contest in both 2020 and 2021.
Believe the Hipe Early taste of wild 1180bhp Ariel EV
50
If Airbnb did motors… Get paid by renting your car We fi rst reported on the next step
52
F-150 Lightning Electric beast goes tree-felling
in Ariel’s evolution in 2017, when it
58
Rouven Mohr We meet Lambo’s new technical chief
revealed images and plans for what we
ROAD TEST: CATERHAM SEVEN 420 CUP 32
OUR CARS
described as the “fastest-accelerating
64
Honda HR-V Epic 10-country European adventure
and most advanced supercar in history,
66
Mercedes S-Class Le Mans road trip beats flying
67 a 1200bhp, four-wheel-drive electric
Dacia Jogger Budget MPV’s interior has Audi vibes
two-seater with a revolutionary
EVERY WEEK
turbine range extender powertrain”.
13
Jesse Crosse Could this rotary unit save the engine?
Jim Holder EV transition could soon be on red alert 15 That very car, known for now as
17
Matt Prior If only buying cars was like buying jeans Hipercar, is at the advanced prototype
19
Steve Cropley Did you ever spot the Ariel Mustang?
20 stage and in this week’s issue road
Damien Smith Toasting Vauxhall’s racing heritage
40
Subscribe Save money and get exclusive benefits tester editor Matt Saunders gets an
60
Your Views Alfa blunder; 86mpg Yaris; Cavalier 4x4
exclusive go in it (p42).
63
On this day 1936: Delahaye test; Donington drama
79 F-150 EV: LUMBERJACKS’ NEW BEST FRIEND? 52 The project, largely funded through
Autocar Archive Access 125 years of issues for free
82
Slideshow Famous car badges and what they mean various government channels over the
THE INDUSTRY IS
(cid:96)
DEALS years, has seen all partners benefi t:
68 BEING SLEEPWALKED electric motor maker Equipmake,
As good as new Last-of-its-breed VW Up GTI rated
69
James Ruppert Used Italians that are worth the risk for example, has fi ve times more
70
Cult hero How to buy a Porsche 928, now from £10k INTO A CONTRACTION
72 employees than when it all started and
New cars A-Z Key car stats, from Abarth to Zenvo
Road test index Track down that road test here 81 FROM WHICH IT MAY battery supplier Delta Engineering has
recently been acquired by Cosworth.
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31 AUGUST 2022 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 3
N E W S
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Audi R8 to be reinvented as
flagship electric supercar
R8 successor tipped to use Porsche platform; will follow mid-engine run-out model
A
udi is readying an R8 be called the R8 and will in production and a run-out ultimate feeling of racing.”
successor for a mid- take an entirely new design model, expected to be a RWD He added that 60% of
decade launch, which will direction, so it won’t resemble GT, will be revealed later this its parts are similar to
reinvent the marque’s the long-standing model. year before all variants of the GT3-spec cars.
famous halo model while also However, it will stay true to car stop being made at the The R8 is made alongside
helping to reposition the brand a pure sports car concept, with end of 2023. the E-tron GT and RS E-tron
as an electric forerunner. two doors and more power Talking about that specific GT at the Audi Sport factory
The supercar has not yet than anything else in the Audi model, Audi Sport boss in Böllinger Höfe, Germany –
been officially signed off range, albeit coming from an Sebastian Grams said: “What considered at the forefront
but is very much under way, electric set-up. we are trying to do is get of Audi’s innovative
according to insiders. It won’t The current R8 remains as close as we can to that production techniques –
IMAGE
4 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 31 AUGUST 2022
(cid:96)
The R8 successor will stay true to a
ELECTRIC AUDI R8 SUCCESSOR CAN’T PLAY IT SAFE
pure sports car concept and have
FELIX PAGE
more power than any other Audi
The inherent modularity Certainly, the similarities in of performance – from
and universal applicability EV performance across the upcoming EV versions of
(cid:97) of EV architecture is a board don’t help here. the RS3, RS4 and RS6.
boon for cash-savvy car So the successor to Happily, Audi and
so the facility is already because Audi is keen for hand- manufacturers, which can the Audi R8 faces a much Porsche’s sporting J1
geared up to produce high-end built elements to remain a slash development and tougher task than did platform is demonstrably
electric models. feature of a new flagship sports manufacturing costs by its predecessor, whose different from the more
While Audi Sport car to reflect its position in the building, say, a seven-seat bellowing, mid-mounted mainstream MEB platform
expedites development of line-up and justify its expense. SUV on fundamentally V10 engine and low-slung – and both have pledged
the R8 successor, the team Grams said: “Absolutely we the same platform as supercar silhouette that its PPE successor will
responsible for primarily hand- will keep craftsmanship as it’s an urban supermini. immediately put it at arm’s be similarly athletic, so the
building the R8 will stay on at what makes the car unique But some argue that this length from the rest of the firm has form when it comes
the factory after R8 production from the rest of the portfolio. makes it harder for more Audi Sport line-up. If an to fine-tuning EV hardware
ends, allowing Audi to ramp up If we bring an R8 successor, we exclusive and performance- electric version is to carve to appease hardcore driving
E-tron GT production. will try to continue to do that. It oriented range-toppers out a similarly distinct niche, enthusiasts. It just needs
However, it also means they is important for the customer. to stand out from their it will need to be measurably to ensure the electric R8
will be trained and ready to There’s love inside an R8.” technically similar, volume- different – dynamically, is a halo car in more than
start building the R8 successor Audi has a plethora of geared range-mates. stylistically and in terms simply looks and price.
within a couple of years, platform options for an R8◊
Böllinger Höfe plant
is ideally set up to
make R8 successor
New Audi flagship
will mark a visual
departure from R8
31 AUGUST 2022 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 5
SPY SHOTS
AUDI R8 RUN-OUT SPECIAL
R8 special will
share many parts
with GT3-spec car
Swansong R8 model
is expected to be
rear-wheel drive
Δ successor, although it’s most We want to (cid:96)make the car On the topic of platforms,
likely to use one developed Grams said: “We have brands
with Porsche, given the firm’s around the Volkswagen Group
different, like we do in the
sports car expertise. which can be synergised.
The SSP Sport platform, Despite being on the same 4 October 2006
combustion-engined world
recently confirmed by Porsche, platform, E-tron GT is very Audi’s answer to the 911 mated
will be used on SUVs and unique from Taycan. Lamborghini Gallardo underpinnings
saloons and replace the J1 (cid:97) “If you look at Audi with the RS4’s snarling V8, and despite
platform currently used for Sport sales, we sold being priced to match the Carrera 4S,
the Porsche Taycan and However, there’s another Boxster and Cayman. nearly 40,000 cars last it was planned to be a more exclusive
Audi E-tron GT sibling cars. possible basis for a next- Notably, this architecture year, which shows that proposition. “What’s the next
It’s one option for an R8 generation R8: the sports car aims to mimic the current 718 our customers are hot on surprise from ambitious Audi?”
successor, depending on its platform Porsche is readying duo’s mid-engined handling our products. Therefore, we we wondered when it was
ability to scale down. for its upcoming electric 718 characteristics by stacking have the freedom needed to unveiled in 2006.
the batteries vertically behind make great products. And that
the seats for a low centre of means we should be involved
gravity and optimum weight in platform development as of higher-density batteries
distribution – and it could early as possible.” in its set-up.
serve a similar purpose for an Audi Sport has already Grams said: “We have
electric successor to today’s shown its electric sporting already proven that it is
mid-engined R8. capability with the RS E-tron possible to generate RS love
The platform of choice also GT, which sprints from in an electric model. If you
depends on whether Audi 0-62mph in 3.3sec and look at the E-tron GT, 60%
Sport wants to persevere with delivers 637bhp, as well as of sales are RS.
a mid-engined R8 successor to having 237 miles of range “We want to make the
emulate the outgoing model. and rapid charging capability. car different, like we do in
However, Grams said this is not A future R8 will need to the combustion-engined
the philosophy of Audi Sport: exceed these figures, as well world. Our customers want
“We see every project as its as having sufficient power and to differentiate from other
own. Otherwise we wouldn’t range for track driving, which models – in design, bodywork,
PB18 E-tron concept, shown in 2018, is likely to be a design influence be so successful.” is likely to mean the inclusion chassis and performance. With
6 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 31 AUGUST 2022
NEWS
the RS E-tron GT, we are the into the electric world and
[electric] forerunner in a field digitalisation.” WHAT THE R8 SUCCESSOR WILL BE UP AGAINST
of competitors.” The R8 successor’s
Discussing how to arrival will be carefully timed
differentiate future electric to spearhead Audi’s plans to
RS models, when all EVs launch only electric models
accelerate rapidly thanks to from 2026 in its mainstream
instant torque, Grams said: line-up, although the strategy
“We believe we can do more on for Audi Sport models is
the technical side of EVs. We slightly different (see
also need to offer customers separate story, below). 2025: Polestar 6 2025: Mercedes-AMG Vision TBC: Honda NSX
a digital experience around RS Talking about the upcoming Stunning O concept The first bespoke EV from The Japanese marque
2
models – how you customise model, Grams said: “I’m has been confirmed for Audi Sport’s Affalterbach- will launch a sleek, high-
the look and feel inside the car. fighting for [an R8 successor] production as the Swedish based rival will be a rakish performance halo car as part
We can play with that. and so are the board of Audi. brand’s most exclusive super-saloon in the vein of of its EV push but has yet
“In the RS E-tron GT, we We are looking at different model yet. Keeping its today’s GT 4-Door Coupé. to disclose any details. The
have a very unique sound, kinds of concepts, and the folding hard-top and priced Expect an equal focus on car will showcase Honda’s
which is not comparable to the direction is electrified. If I from £170,000, it will pack outrageous straight-line commitment to offering
combustion-engine world. We get my wish, it will be an R8 up to 874bhp and dispatch pace, keen handling and a “sports mindset and
decided we needed the sound that’s electric. And if you do 0-62mph in around 3.0sec. endurance. distinctive characteristics”.
to be unique and invested in a super-sports car, then it’s
sound engineering. We can also a two-door concept.”
imagine other special driving A new Audi TT is another RS E-tron GT paves
modes. There are endless popular Audi Sport model the way for other
opportunities. under consideration. “We hot Audi Sport EVs
“We need to be brave, as we are working on that,” said
were with the first-generation Grams. “It was an icon. But
R8. It was a brave decision for the moment, my focus
to make that car. We need to is an R8 successor.”
be innovative and transform RACHEL BURGESS
Audi is looking into making a TT successor to follow its EV
AUDI SPORT BOSS ON ELECTRIFICATION FOR RS MODELS
RS3 is “the sweet
spot” so it’s likely to
survive in an EV era
RS4 E-tron will pick up the baton from a pumped final version of today’s petrol RS4
Any mainstream Audi models Grams. “This shows our On making the most of its RS version in the future? “We
launched from 2026 will be direction in the electric world. combustion-engined line-up, are not [giving the Audi Sport
electric, but it’s a slightly We have models which jump to Grams said: “We believe we treatment] to every car. We
different story at Audi Sport, plug-in hybrid and afterwards can squeeze out extra in the look to where it really makes
which is taking a more softly- to electric, and others where R8, and the same for RS4 and sense, and that’s where we are
softly approach. “By 2026, we go directly to EVs. It RS3 Competition packages different to our rivals. But the
80% of Audi Sport models will depends on the platforms with our legendary five- starting point is the RS3, for
be electrified, and by 2030, available but also customer cylinder. It’s an entry point which we have overwhelming
100% will be electrified,” said demand. We’re trying to make into our Audi Sport portfolio.” feedback. It’s the sweet spot
Grams: boss of Audi Sport
Audi Sport boss Sebastian the best of today’s world.” Will every Audi model get an of entering the RS world.”
31 AUGUST 2022 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 7
OFFICIAL PICTURES
Skoda previews electric future
Seven-seat SUV concept heralds rugged new design language; due on sale in 2026
S
koda will launch a range- The SUV will be among the EV on sale today, hinting at how nods to electric propulsion – we’re taking the brand to
topping electric seven- final Volkswagen Group cars substantially different the SUV a dramatic departure from the next level.”
seat SUV by 2026, plus to use a variation of the MEB will be from Skoda’s current anything that Skoda has This look includes a
a supermini and a modular platform – which electric offering, the Enyaq iV. created to date. hardened face, named Tech
compact crossover, in a push to will be phased out from 2025 Before it launches the Design boss Oliver Stefani Deck, accompanied by Skoda’s
become one of Europe’s leading to be replaced by the new production version of the Vision said the minimalistic and signature small front grille,
sellers of mass-market EVs. SSP architecture – and will 7S, Skoda will continue to push functional look “conveys which has been designed so
The flagship SUV has been effectively serve as an on with ICE cars, revealing a a sense of security and that it can feature on both the
previewed by the striking electric alternative to the new Superb and a new Kodiaq radiates strength” while also firm’s larger and smaller cars.
new Vision 7S concept, which combustion-engined Kodiaq. in the second half of 2023, then “enhancing the aerodynamics This is flanked by new T-shape
recently appointed brand boss The concept has a WLTP a refreshed Octavia in 2024. of the vehicles we will be adding headlights, mirrored in
Klaus Zellmer has described as range of more than 370 miles, Hybridised powertrains are to our portfolio in the future”. the rear light design.
an “entirely new” proposition courtesy of an 89kWh battery expected to be launched with “Through our new Large skidplates front
for Skoda, in the sense that that can charge at rates of the new models, but it’s not brand identity, we’re getting and rear round off the rugged
it showcases a radical new up to 200kW. yet known if they will follow the ready for the electric future,” design. These are expected
design language referred That’s far quicker than any new design direction, which said marketing boss Martin to become defining features
to as ‘Modern Solid’. mainstream Volkswagen Group majors on ruggedness but Jahn. “With the new styling, throughout the Skoda EV
WORDS NOT IMAGES
Skoda’s new design direction
brings with it new branding,
said to be modern and simple
and demonstrating the firm’s
digital-first approach. Only
‘Skoda’ wording will feature
on future cars, including the
Vision 7S, with the traditional
roundel used more widely.
It puts a caron, described as
a key part of Skoda’s Czech
heritage, within the letter ‘S’. Seven seats include central one for child; physical dials coexist with touchscreen
PRODUCTION IN SIGHT FOR FARADAY FORD DELAYS EV FACTORY INVESTMENT
Production of the 1050bhp FF91 may finally start – Ford has delayed investment in its Valencia plant,
if Faraday Future can source more cash. The US which is set to produce its next generation of EVs,
company first unveiled the electric SUV in 2017. citing “a revised financial outlook for Europe”.
Deliveries would begin six weeks after the factory Although it wouldn’t confirm further details, Ford
gets going, which it hopes will happen this year. reaffirmed its “commitment” to the Spanish site.
8 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 31 AUGUST 2022
NEWS
Audi confirms F1 entry for 2026
AUDI HAS CONFIRMED that it development programme as soon as we know,” he said,
will join Formula 1 for the first will inform development adding that “the decision on
time in 2026, bringing its own of electrified road cars. the team we will do this year”.
Air intakes at front and rear cool battery, motors, brakes powertrain to the sport. “This is the first time in What Duesmann did
The announcement, which more than a decade that a confirm is that Audi has
has been on the cards for Formula 1 powertrain will be chosen not to set up a works
months, comes in the wake built in Germany,” noted Audi. team from scratch – a difficult
WHAT’S NEXT of the FIA’s approval of new The decision not to and highly expensive move.
FROM SKODA? F1 powertrain regulations for announce which team will He said: “There’s a high
the 2026 season. These were run its powertrain has been likelihood of having an Audi
broadly seen as a green light a surprise. Audi says it will powertrain in an existing car.
for Audi and sibling brand reveal this by the end of 2022. We won’t set up a team.”
Porsche to enter the fray. An alliance with the Swiss Audi’s announcement was
Audi will build the engine at Sauber team, currently welcomed by F1 president and
its motorsport headquarters competing as Alfa Romeo CEO Stefano Domenicali.
in Neuburg, Germany. Racing, is the most likely. “This is a major moment
City car Both Audi CEO Markus On the question of Audi’s for our sport that highlights
Skoda will introduce Duesmann and technical partner team, Duesmann the huge strength we have
a “distinctive” sub- boss Oliver Hoffmann have refused to be drawn. as a global platform that
£20,000 compact urban suggested the V6-hybrid “That we will inform you continues to grow,” he said.
EV alongside the seven-
OFFICIAL PICTURE
seat SUV. Effectively a
replacement for the axed
Citigo-e iV, this will use
a smaller version of the
Volkswagen Group’s MEB
architecture. It’s due in
2026 and will have Cupra
and Volkswagen siblings.
line-up, beyond just its SUVs.
One of the most striking
features of the Vision 7S
Sauber is set to build
concept is the seven vertical
four rings’ first grand
air intakes at both the front and Crossover
prix racer since 1939
the rear, which feed the cooling An electric crossover in
system and direct air to the the vein of the VW ID 3 is
brakes – something Skoda says primed to be Skoda’s next
will feature on its upcoming EV. It will be offered with
larger models. only rear-wheel drive but
In the centre of both sets three battery capacities SPY SHOT
of intakes sits an orange and two power outputs. KIA EV9
control element, which It’s expected to be more
can be removed and used stretched than the
as a vehicle-to-load power ID 3 but sit on the
connection for large external same MEB platform.
devices, such as a generator.
Future Skoda models are
also set for an interior shake-
up, with the brand wanting
to incorporate a minimalistic
design to enhance usability.
The Vision 7S concept
showcases opposite-opening Kodiaq, Superb, Octavia
doors (something that isn’t Skoda has also confirmed
expected to make production), that it will be releasing
a portrait-oriented ‘floating’ a new Kodiaq and a new
infotainment screen, physical Superb, plus an updated
buttons for frequently used Octavia, maintaining
functions, a wide and thin its combustion-engined
KIA TO UNWRAP DISCOVERY RIVAL EARLY NEXT YEAR
steering wheel and, most offering. The Octavia is
unconventionally, a child expected to go electric Kia has confirmed that the EV9, the biggest car it has ever produced, will be unveiled in the
seat integrated within for its next generation, first quarter of 2023. The electric Land Rover Discovery rival, which will use Kia’s new E-GMP
the centre console. due around 2028. architecture, was previewed as a concept earlier this year and has recently been seen testing.
WILL RIMELL
GOVERNMENT FUNDS LOCAL CHARGERS SUNDERLAND TO STOP RENAULT SUPPLY
More than £20 million will be invested in building Nissan has announced the closure of part of its
1000 local EV chargers, the government has said. Sunderland engine factory. The Japanese firm
Ministers hope this will help electric car uptake said the decision was made as its deal to supply
for drivers without a private driveway, where Renault cylinder heads won’t be renewed past
a home charger would normally be fitted. 2024. Around 250 staff are set to be redeployed.
31 AUGUST 2022 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 9
Hydrogen ICE comes to Europe
Toyota chief demonstrates hydrogen-combustion technology in GR Yaris rally car
T
oyota president and CEO a hydrogen-combustion solid torque, making it no engine know-how and
Akio Toyoda has doubled prototype outside of Japan. different from a [petrol] manufacturing investment”.
down on his enthusiasm Toyoda said the run “was engine. Because they emit Toyota Europe CEO Matt
for hydrogen-combustion a good chance to think about zero CO , I believe hydrogen Harrison has said that using
2
technology, taking to the wheel races with spectators in mind”, engines will become IT’S NOT A NEW IDEA this technology would
of the flag-bearing Toyota given that the GR Yaris’s ICE one of the options for allow Toyota to “deliver
In 2006, BMW modified the 7 Series to
GR Yaris H prototype at the soundtrack remains. achieving carbon- almost zero tailpipe
2
burn hydrogen, lowering the compression
recent Ypres Rally Belgium. He added: “We also had neutrality not only emissions without
ratio of its 6.0-litre V12, fettling the injection
The motorsport fanatic a Toyota Mirai [fuel cell EV] in the world of electrification but
system and lining the induction system with
demonstrated the potential at the venue demonstrating motorsport but do so while retaining
aluminium. The hydrogen storage added 250kg,
of the specially adapted external power supply, and also in the world of the things which fans
the engine made only 256bhp. After driving it,
prototype, a hydrogen- I believe that, together with everyday cars.” love most about race
we said: “It proves that hydrogen-powered cars
fuelled combustion-engined driving using a hydrogen Toyota said that cars: the speed and
can be made safe for our roads, be produced
concept version of the brand’s engine, we were able to hydrogen combustion the noise”.
in the same factories as any other car and
acclaimed four-wheel-drive hot highlight in Europe the allows cars to The GR Yaris H uses
2
provide levels of performance and
hatchback, with four-time WRC potential of hydrogen as become zero-emission the same turbocharged
refinement that are within touching
champion Juha Kankkunen an option for achieving relatively affordably, 1.6-litre three-cylinder
distance of their petrol-
serving as his co-driver. carbon-neutrality.” because it enables engine as the standard GR
powered siblings.”
It was the first time Kankkunen said: “The manufacturers to exploit Yaris and the same refuelling
that Toyota had deployed hydrogen engine put out “existing internal combustion hardware as the Mirai.
Subtle mechanical
modifications are limited to
strengthening the engine
block (because hydrogen
explodes more violently than
petrol), new valve seats and an
upgraded injection system.
Toyota powertrain boss
Thiebault Pâquet previously
estimated that it would achieve
“similar efficiencies” to its
unmodified petrol counterpart,
Water vapour and Akio Toyoda is
but performance details
tiny amount of NOx vocal proponent
remain under wraps.
are only emissions of hydrogen tech
FELIX PAGE
10 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 31 AUGUST 2022