Latest news with #performancecars
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
End of the road for noisy boy racers? Car makers are axing their beloved hot hatches to go electric
The days of noisy boy racers flying past in souped-up cars with offensively loud exhaust pipes look numbered. That's because their beloved 'hot hatches' are accelerating towards demise as car makers cull them from their ranges as part of their transitions to electric vehicles. Two of the nation's most popular have been confirmed for the chopping block by their respective manufacturers in recent weeks. Ford says production of its much-loved model is due to cease in November - and it is no longer taking new order. And Honda has said its big-spoilered offering will disappear for good next year, bowing out with a final edition version that's just been unveiled to culminate its near 30-year lifecycle. Riotous petrol-engined hot hatches are now being replaced by a new breed of silent electric performance cars that are likely to cause far less offence, though might not provide the excitement craved by boy racers congregating in McDonalds car parks. Hot hatchbacks are high performance variants of run-of-the-mill family cars. While they're fast and relatively easy to customise with bigger exhaust systems and whooshing dump valves that when passing your house in the evening will make you leap out of your armchair - they are also practical enough to cope with the rigours of day-to-day life, with lots of space in the back and traditionally big boots. But as manufacturers brace for an electric future, they are increasingly being motivated to kill off their combustion engine vehicles at alarming pace to avoid Government-imposed fines for failing to achieve adequate EV sales between now and 2030. And its hot hatches that have become prime candidates to kill off earliest. Stricter emissions regulations due to come into force have also rendered many of these unleaded-gulping motors unviable for sale. Ford has reacted to these mounting pressures, confirming last month that its Focus ST is no longer available to order in the UK - ahead of production climaxing at the end of this year. The blue-oval brand had still been taking deposits on the ST until April, but on 26 May culled it from its updated dealer price lists. It ends a 23-year run for the hot hatch that's spanned four generations of Focus family cars, much to the upset of petrolheads across the country. Ford UK said that while it is no longer taking new orders, there are 'around 170 built and unsold' STs currently available within the dealer network. Just a week after Ford ditched Focus ST availability, Japanese rival Honda confirmed its Civic Type R - an icon among boy racer ranks for almost three decades - will bow out in the next few months. The Civic Type R has epitomised the boy racer scene for decades, thanks to its scintilating performance, big exhausts and even larger spoilers Unveiling an 'Ultimate Edition' version at the start of June, it said the Civic Type R's 28-year lifespan is being ended in 2026 by more stringent emissions regulations. Honda said it's removing the Type R from its line-up next year because 'the industry is changing and our model range is having to evolve with it in accordance with European legislation' being introduced in the next 12 months. Only 40 Ultimate Edition Type Rs will be made - and just 10 are guaranteed for UK customers, with prices likely to exceed £50,000. The Focus ST and Civic Type R's expiries come in the tyre tracks of a series of hot hatches being axed in the UK. Last year, Hyundai called time on its i20N and i30N, while Ford terminated its Focus RS in 2018. The Fiesta, which Ford lowered the curtain on in the summer of 2023, took with it the ST variant, while Peugeot's 308 GTi was terminated in 2020, having only been available for around a year. It means that very few front-wheel-drive hot hatches now remain, with the VW Golf and Polo GTI, Mini Cooper S, and Ford Puma ST among the increasingly limited options. Those wanting a four-wheel-drive performance model can still get their hands on a Golf R, Mercedes A45 AMG S, or Toyota GR Yaris - though these hot hatches are seriously under threat from the tightening EU emissions regulations due shortly. In the last few days, Toyota confirmed that production of its GR Corolla hot hatch will move from Japan to its Derbyshire factory in the UK to appease huge demand from US customers. Though despite being in Britain, the GR Corolla isn't a car that's sold here. Instead, brands are focussing on a new wave of electric performance models. Car makers forced to kill off their hot hatches over emissions regulations and the EV transition running towards the end of the decade, we're seeing the arrival of electric performance models, like Abarth's 500 Alpine's new A290 is a hot hatch version of the recently-launched Renault 5 E-Tech. It promises to be one of the best electrified performance cars we've seen so far The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is another electric hot hatch on sale currently. It's not cheap, though, starting from an eye-watering £65,000 The Abarth 500, Alpine A290 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 N are all zero-emission - and zero noise - cars already on sale to fill the void left by the traditional hot hatchback. Though they're not cheap. The Fiat 500-sized Abarth rings in at £30k, Alpine's tuned-up take on the Renault 5 E-Tech starts from £33,500, and Hyundai's souped-up electric SUV is an eye-watering £65,000. On Friday, Peugeot unveiled its e-208 GTi on the eve of the Le Man 24 Hour race. It is the battery-powered spiritual successor to its legendary 205 GTi from the 1980s and '90s.
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
RAY MASSEY: Aston Martin helps usher in era of the 'iDashboard'
Nowadays, modern cars have so much software on board they are often dubbed 'computers on wheels.' Well, brace yourself: the British luxury performance carmaker Aston Martin is the official launch partner for the new Apple Car Play Ultra dashboard system – marking a new beginning for increasingly digitised vehicles. The new Ultra option is set to be rolled out across the entire motor industry, with more affordable family marques such as Kia, Hyundai and Genesis expected to be among those next in line for the update. Despite being an early adopter of the Apple Mac computer (I wrote a book on one in the early 1990s) and a long-time user of the iPhone and iPad, I must admit to being a bit of a slowcoach when it comes to using my smartphone to control key elements of my car. However, taking an Aston Martin DBX fitted with Ultra for a drive, I was among the first to 'road test' the new system – which marks a great step forward in two significant regards. First, while the standard Apple Car Play allows the driver to link their iPhone to the central dashboard screen, the new Ultra System extends that facility to the driver's instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. I could scroll between a variety of driver screen and instrument cluster options – from analogue-looking speedometer dials, to more linear versions and simple numbers. Also included is the ability to display maps and media in full screen, allowing drivers to design their own multi-screen set-up, and the freedom to modify the layout. The added twist is that each manufacturer can, with the help of Apple, create a bespoke design to suit the individual car brand, including a selection of scroll-through options for the look of speedometer and tachometer dials, from which the driver can choose. It all seemed to gel together very well. And I'd never have known that the Car Play Ultra digital driver screen in front of me wasn't the standard one on the car (which is very different). A lot of work has gone into that. Updates will also mean the system can be continually finessed. The system also allowed me to manage vehicle functions such as air conditioning, temperature control, satnav music and radio, phone and so on. One advantage with the Aston DBX, however, was that like its sports cars, it also retains many physical buttons. So if you are sceptical about touchscreen or Siri voice control, you can still resort to actual knobs, switches and dials. And I imagine this is just the start: as the Ultra system expands, I expect AI will play an increasing role, in both controlling, but perhaps also driving our cars. British luxury performance carmaker Aston Martin is the official launch partner for the new Apple Car Play Ultra dashboard system Apple Car Play (along with the rival Android Auto ) is now extremely popular either as standard or as a 'must have' option on modern cars, especially among younger drivers. So I did my Ultra drive from Aston Martin's smart boutique headquarters at Gaydon in leafy Warwickshire – a real-life James Bond-style Q-Branch for sporty luxury cars and gadgets. I could tailor the system's background colours and 'wallpaper' patterns to match my mood. Another key benefit over standard Car Play is that drivers no longer have to log out of an app to alter certain screen functions – it all works together seamlessly. Launch-partner Aston Martin said it had worked extremely closely in partnership with Apple to ensure CarPlay Ultra is consistent with their own brand's design philosophy, adding: 'Understanding the need for balance between touchscreen commands and the positive tactility of physical switches, buttons are retained for the key mechanical operations of gear selection, drive selection, heating and ventilation. There are also override switches for chassis, electronic stability programme (ESP), exhaust settings, lane assist and park distance control 'ensuring the most used controls are always conveniently to hand', says Aston Martin. Drivers can also add apps powered by iPhone that perfectly fit Aston Martin's 10.25-inch infotainment screen or instrument cluster to provide 'information at a glance', it said. Aston Martin CEO Adrian Hallmark said: 'Aston Martin is delighted to have collaborated with Apple, and to be first to launch CarPlay Ultra. 'Building on our in-house state-of-the-art infotainment system, CarPlay Ultra will provide additional functionality and personalisation opportunities which place Aston Martin at the forefront of infotainment in the sector.' Launch-partner Aston Martin said it had worked extremely closely in partnership with Apple to ensure CarPlay Ultra is consistent with their own brand's design philosophy Apple's marketing vice president Bob Borchers said: 'We are thrilled to begin rolling out CarPlay Ultra with Aston Martin, with more manufacturers to come. 'The next generation of CarPlay gives drivers a smarter, safer way to use their iPhone in the car, deeply integrating with the vehicle while maintaining the very best of the car-maker.' He added: 'iPhone users love CarPlay and it has changed the way people interact with their vehicles. 'Together with car-makers we are reimagining the in-car experience and making it even more unified and consistent.' The new Ultra system will be available across the Aston Martin range as standard from August, and available as a retro-fit download on older vehicles with the necessary software. Fine on a luxury Aston Martin, you may say. But what about me? Well, imagine soon doing all of these same things on, say, a Kia Sportage, a Ford Puma, Nissan Qashqai or Peugeot SUV – if they too decide to take it up. Each version specifically designed to seamlessly suit the brand on which it is fitted. And that is exactly the plan as Apple Car Play Ultra is rolled out across the industry to more mainstream manufacturers of family vehicles. It's coming soon to a car near your – perhaps even to your own driveway.
Motor 1
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Kia Blames Regulations For The Death of Gas Performance Cars
We recently mourned the loss of fun gas-powered cars in Europe due to tightening emissions regulations. But the situation is actually much worse. The gradual demise of performance vehicles with combustion engines is happening worldwide. Kia is the latest automaker to announce that its future sports cars will be purely electric to meet stricter legislation. Kia Australia's product chief, Roland Rivero, told Carsales that automakers have no choice but to 'satisfy the global situation and CO 2 regulations are tightening all around the world.' If there is a silver lining in all of this, it's that the GT badge will live on for more electric models. The new EV4 is a prime candidate to receive the electric GT treatment. Rivero remains optimistic about catering to enthusiasts, even in an increasingly electrified era. He believes 'there's no reason why an electrified product can't give you a similar experience [to internal combustion performance cars], albeit with some computer tech and whatnot.' Still, another car like the Stinger GT with its V-6 engine isn't going to happen. The GT badge is already appearing on electric models, such as the supersized EV9 GT . Meanwhile, the smaller EV6 GT recently received an update that includes simulated gear shifts and engine sounds , "features" that tie into Rivero's 'computer tech' comment. Hyundai's N division may have axed the i20 N and i30 N hot hatches, the Kona N crossover, and the quirky Veloster N, but it's not ready to abandon internal combustion just yet. The company still sells the Elantra N and has pledged to launch a next-generation model with a bigger engine . Earlier this year, N division co-founder Joonwoo Park hinted in an Auto Express interview that hybrid powertrains could help keep fun ICE cars alive under the N badge. Addressing the elephant in the room, any hybrid or EV with performance chops will come with a weight penalty. This is especially true for fully electric performance cars, but it's a compromise carmakers seem willing to accept. Hyundai and Kia appear to be leaning into SUVs for now, which only exacerbates the situation. But that's the reality of 2025. Consumers want SUVs, and governments want automakers to reduce the emissions of their fleets. To satisfy both demands and stay in business, car companies are producing more electric SUVs. A few of these receive upgrades to earn their GT and N badges, which were exclusive to combustion-engine cars not long ago. Hyundai's luxury brand Genesis does have a new twin-turbo V-8 , but it's intended solely for race cars. Source: Carsales Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Motor Trend
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
What's Going On With AMG? Futuristic Sporty Mercedes Models are Coming
This much is clear: AMG makes fast cars. But what kind of fast? Is it musclebound bruisers like the G63? Luxurious tourers like the SL-Class roadster and GT hardtop? Or eco-chic hybrids like the measurably rapid yet socially maligned C63? 0:00 / 0:00 According to AMG CEO Michael Schiebe, the answer is: Yes—and soon, more. As AMG-branded F1 cars raced by at the Miami Grand Prix, we sat down with Schiebe to learn what AMG is all about these days, and what to expect from Mercedes-Benz' legendary performance division. See All 5 Photos Michael Schiebe, right, with 2024 season Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. Committed to Combustion and Electric Power Schiebe is a busy guy. Not only is he in charge of AMG, but Maybach and the G-Class programs, as well, those being the three iconic pillars outside of Mercedes' typical passenger car business that aren't vans. Having assumed the role in 2023, Schiebe told us how many results of his leadership are yet to be seen, saying, 'Before I took over, Mercedes had already initiated a tremendous change program within AMG. It had been decided that AMG would stay on the combustion engine side, but in parallel go all in on the electric side—AMG will create our first high-performance EV. I would say I just accelerated that process.' Things have changed since we last spoke with Schiebe. When asked how AMG would position and distinguish its forthcoming EVs from its revered combustion cars, Schiebe downplayed the need. 'There won't be such a difference between them, because all these cars need to be an AMG first and then an ICE or EV second. When you buy an AMG, you buy the performance, the emotion.' Still, Schiebe knows that AMG EVs' performance must not be one-dimensional. 'Some of our customers go, for example, with their car on the weekend to the famous Nordschleife. They want to have a track-proved high-performance car. That will be true of our electric cars, too.' The Platform Following the Vision AMG high-performance EV concept's debut, details of the forthcoming all-electric vehicle platform have begun to come to light. Schiebe provided more, saying, 'Most electric cars have great acceleration, so that's not a differentiator. Some EVs lose steam if you repeat that several times. Our cars need to be capable on a racetrack, where it's constant acceleration and braking. We took our time to make sure that cars will provide continuous performance.' The first vehicles to be built on the platform will be a four-door fastback akin to the aging AMG GT, and a full-size SUV. Fast charging and thermal management are key to this track potential. Schiebe implied that the direct cooling approach for high-voltage batteries in AMG E-Performance hybrids will inform strategies for the AMG-specific battery to be built into the platform. Compact and power-dense axial flux motors are confirmed, to be provided by Yasa Ltd., a British company acquired by Mercedes-Benz in 2021. Learning From C63 AMG has much to prove with given how its current EVs so far don't do much well beyond go very quickly in a straight line. Meanwhile, its hybrids have earned inconsistent acclaim; hybridization suits the V-8-based S63's hyper-limo character but takes too much priority to satisfy the I-4-equipped C63's rowdy brief. Addressing the C63's tepid reception, Schiebe concedes, 'We probably could have better explained the technology to our customers. There are pure V-8 fans, and it's hard to convince them of this four-cylinder hybrid technology.' In a seemingly coded admission that going this route for C63 isn't working and that change is coming, Schiebe said, 'It's my job to do a constant review of our portfolio. I'm pretty confident that we will fulfill our customers' dreams in the next two to three years,' although he refused to speculate on which model AMG will bring the 'right' powertrain to. Future Exclusive AMG Models Zooming out from any specific model, AMG has taken and will continue to take a focal role at Mercedes-Benz, where future AMG models may share less and less with its parent company's cars. According to Schiebe, 'Customers love the distinctive AMG look and the differentiation it brings. Our future cars will be more expressive in that dimension. If you look into the future, I would say you can expect cars that will be more visually differentiated—AMG will be doubling down on design; our design language will be more expressive.' He continued, 'In the next two to three years, you can expect the biggest portfolio rollout of AMG cars in decades. This is why my team is under high pressure, because we have so many cars in the pipeline. In the coming years, we will just launch one after another, both on the electric side, but also on the combustion side.' Schiebe stated that 'brand shapers' will highlight those endeavors, at least one of which will likely be based on the forthcoming platform. However, Schiebe says AMG 'will invest further into small-volume special series cars that meet very specific customer demands.' Noting the gulf in price and performance between the AMG One hypercar and hardcore yet mass-production-based AMG GT Black Series, Schiebe reiterated his position that 'there is more space for small production cars' within the AMG portfolio. How those will shape up remains to be seen, but under Schiebe's direction, AMG will offer more cars, coupes, and crossovers with gas, hybrid, and electric powertrains—all built for speed and performance—than it ever has before.
Top Gear
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
10 of the fastest accelerating used cars for around £25k we found this week
Advertisement One of the very last swashbuckling, petrol-swiggin' Jags ever made. And yes, we know that's a sad thought. But you know what isn't? This pre-facelift is available now for £24.5k with less than 57,000 miles run up on its rampant 542bhp supercharged V8. Plenty of life left in it still, then, and we needn't remind you of that soundtrack… 0-62mph: 4.2s Advertisement - Page continues below Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 (W205) Speaking of soundtracks, here's a car that also has a lot to say: the biturbo V8 C63. That AMG's decision to four-pot the latest generation received so much backlash is telling of the sort of impact the W205, and its predecessor, had. Get a shift on in this 2019 example, and you'll hit motorway speeds almost as quickly as you can read out its name. 0-62mph: 4.1s You might like TVR Tuscan Speed Six (Mk1) There is a very real argument to be had about the world taking TVR for granted when it was around. The Cerbera, Griffith, Sagaris and Tamora are all spectacular in their own way, but the Tuscan Speed Six might be our favourite of the lot. Its design still puts most modern roadsters to shame, and beneath the plump bonnet sits a wicked 4.0-litre all-natural six-pot that's *claimed* to top out at 185mph. One hundred and eighty-five . 0-62mph: 3.9s Advertisement - Page continues below Oh yes you can. In fact, here's one for less than £21,000. The C7 in Avant form is a glorious all-rounder. The reasons are simple: it'll take the kids to school in supreme comfort, have no issues swallowing a fresh Christmas tree (and an army of barbells), and it's fast. Like, really fast. 0-62mph: 3.9s Up until this point, it's all been about acceleration through raw, unadulterated force. So let's switch things up with a second-gen Exige, which has a manual gearbox and all three optional factory packages equipped. The result is a car which weighs close to 900kg and changes direction like a cheetah in pursuit, with the icing on the cake being an acceleration figure of… 0-62mph: 3.9s Porsche Panamera Turbo S (970) A face only a mother could love, but there's no taking away from the Panamera's numbers: 542bhp, 553lb ft and a vmax of 190mph. Besides, the interior is pretty sweet on this example, and it rides on air suspension with Porsche's Dynamic Chassis Control, so comfort should be second to none. 0-62mph: 3.8s Audi RS7 (first generation) Another high-mileage Audi that's loaded with mechanical tech, such as cylinder deactivation, torque vectoring and a self-locking diff. You can even adjust the ride height by as much as 20mm on this RS7, and there's thick 390mm brakes to reverse the catapulting effects of that 552bhp twin-scroll, twin-turbo V8. That's more power than the current M3, by the way. 0-62mph: 3.9s Advertisement - Page continues below Want 600bhp and TVs for rear-seat passengers? This F10-gen M5 ticks those boxes and more, with other standout features including a Harman Kardon audio system and a sunroof. Since it's a 'Comp' spec car, it also gets a blacked-out grille and exhausts to give it more flavour. C'mon, it's an M5. What else needs to be said? 0-62mph: 3.9s Bentley Continental GT Supersports Here sits a big, single-owner Bentley that would've cost at least £163k when new. Yours now for less than one seventh of that amount. 0-62mph: 3.7s Advertisement - Page continues below Wildcard: Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Yes, we know this Giulia Quadrifoglio is closer to £30k, but consider this: a new one will set you back almost three times as much. It's not even covered 60,000 miles yet, and as a thing to get in and drive, this chisel-cheeked, perfectly proportioned Alfa is nothing short of magical. Bloomin' belissima, as we said (multiple times) during our review. 0-62mph: 3.9s See more on Used cars
