CAR

Dedicating an editorial to someone who’s leaving the team is not something I thought I’d ever do. The modern work environment is an ever-evolving place and at CAR, we have lost and gained team members over the past two years. This guy, though, deserves to be singled out. As the road-test engineer for years, Peter Palm has epitomised what this magazine is about. He has led by example with his in-depth automotive knowledge, his professionalism both in the way he conducts himself and his dedication to the craft, and the respect he has earned from peers. Peter is the one we’ve trusted with handing our road-test procedure, it’s tough work with many hours behind the wheel. Performance testing requires a high level of finesse, awareness and mechanical understanding to extract the best…

KyleSpliceZA SPACE-AGE MATERIALS KEEP ITS WEIGHT DOWN The Revuelto’s new aeronautics-inspired “monofuselage” chassis incorporates a carbon-fibre monocoque with a front structure made of forged composites (a blend of carbon fibres and resin) that allows it to be 10% lighter than the same unit used on the Aventador. Not only is there an increase in torsional rigidity, but there’s also an increased level of energy absorption in the event of a collision; Lamborghini claims it’s double that of the Aventador’s aluminium front frame. At the rear, the chassis is made of high-strength aluminium alloys, with hollow castings in the rear dome area that integrate the rear suspension’s shock towers and powertrain suspension into a single component. This allows for a significant reduction in weight and also for optimal weight distribution (44% front and 56%…

The BMW XM was already the quickest SUV from the Bavarian marque, but a new version will take up the mantle of über-SUV in BMW’s line-up. It’s called the Label Red and will be limited to 500 versions worldwide. The XM LR’s heart is still the company’s 4,4-litre twin-turbocharged V8, now producing 430 kW at 5 600 r/min and 750 N.m of torque from 1 800 to 5 400 r/min. Those equate to increases of 70 kW and 200 Nm thanks to some engineering wizardry with the exhaust, crankshaft, and in the turbocharger plumbing. And then there’s the assistance provided by the electric motor that produces 144 kW and 279 N.m. The electric motor is powered by a 19,2 kWh battery integrated in the XM’s floor. BMW says the XM LR is…

After a handful of photographs of the next-generation Mini in heavy camouflage were snapped in China, the British brand has now released images of the new electric Cooper, but has remained rather tight-lipped about the rest, leaving room for some speculation. The model pictured here is the electric Cooper, which apparently has been developed in collaboration with China’s Great Wall Motors, and on this unit, the new design language is more pronounced, with sleeker lines, a flush profile, and smoothened noise. The massive and smooth octagonal grille with body-coloured crossbar is outlined by what looks to be a light ring that matches those around the larger round headlamps. The side mirror caps and roof in a contrasting colour are typical of the brand, but the triangular tail lights are a departure from…

The T.33 Spider is powered by the same 4,0-litre Cosworth V12 that does service in the T.33 coupé. It produces 453 kW at 10 250 r/min and 451 N.m of torque at 6 750 r/min. It also revs to a mind-blowing 11 100 r/min. Those revs are sent to the rear wheels via a manual six-speed gearbox and limited-slip differential. The T.33 Spider separates itself from the regular T.33 by way of two removable carbon-composite roof panels that can be stowed in the 115-litre front boot and rear glass that opens or closes at the touch of a button (whether the panels are on or off). Thanks to the use of lightweight materials, the T.33 Spider is only 18 kg heavier than the regular model. “From the very beginning I knew that…

Q1 BAIC BJ80 Honda Civic Type R Lotus Emira Maserati Grecale McLaren Artura Mitsubishi Outlander Nissan Qashqai e-Power Toyota Crown Toyota Supra manual Q2 BMW Z4 BMW XM Fiat Doblo Jaguar i-Pace Kia Seltos Lexus RX Porsche 911 Dakar Q3 Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate BMW M3 CS Hyundai Grand i10 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Mercedes-Benz GLA Mercedes-Benz GLB Mercedes-Benz GLE Renault Arkana Subaru Crosstrek Subaru Outback XT Volvo C40 Recharge Q4 Audi Q8 e-tron BMW M2 BMW 7 Series Mazda BT-50 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Mercedes-AMG S 63 S E Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé Mercedes-Benz GLS Mercedes-Benz E-Class Rolls-Royce Spectre TBC Aston Martin Valhalla Ferrari Purosangue Ineos Grenadier Jaguar F-Type 75 Lamborghini Urus Performante Land Rover Defender 75 Mazda CX-60 Mini Cooper Mitsubishi ASX Toyota GR Corolla *Please note this list is in no way exhaustive and dates may be affected by production- and delivery delays.…