Autocar September 18, 2019

THERE MAY HAVE been fewer launches at this year’s Frankfurt motor show, but those that did take place attracted no shortage of scrutiny. The Land Rover Defender was called everything from a glorious reinvention of an icon to an ungainly pastiche that can’t live up to the nameplate. The hugely significant Volkswagen ID 3 was criticised for being too safe and plain, the BMW Concept 4 Series Coupé (or, specifically, that grille) for being too bold. Elsewhere, the striking designs of the Cupra Tavascan and Hyundai 45 Concept EVs also provoked much comment. Design always has been subjective, of course, and in the social media age it’s never been easier for opinions to be aired. But it does feel as if many designers have been freed up to be bold. You may…

“The new GT will sit alongside the Huracán, Aventador and Urus” Lamborghini’s fourth model line, a 2+2 grand tourer inspired by the 2008 Estoque concept, is due to be given the green light to arrive by 2025 – and, in a shock development, could become the brand’s first fully electric car. The four-seater, which has been chosen after being evaluated against a possible third mid-engined supercar, will sit alongside the entry-level Huracán supercar, the range-topping Aventador and the Urus SUV. Early debates questioned whether the 2+2 would be front or mid-engined, but a far more radical approach is now under serious consideration, according to Lamborghini R&D boss Maurizio Reggiani. “If you look at the timing for a fourth model line, there is the potential that this will be the right time for a full-electric…

THERE MAY HAVE been fewer launches at this year’s Frankfurt motor show, but those that did take place attracted no shortage of scrutiny. The Land Rover Defender was called everything from a glorious reinvention of an icon to an ungainly pastiche that can’t live up to the nameplate. The hugely significant Volkswagen ID 3 was criticised for being too safe and plain, the BMW Concept 4 Series Coupé (or, specifically, that grille) for being too bold. Elsewhere, the striking designs of the Cupra Tavascan and Hyundai 45 Concept EVs also provoked much comment. Design always has been subjective, of course, and in the social media age it’s never been easier for opinions to be aired. But it does feel as if many designers have been freed up to be bold.…

Miura The first two-seat supercar to feature a rear/mid-engined drivetrain layout, the Bertone-designed Miura is among the most revered Italian cars ever made and regarded as the genesis of modern supercar development. Sesto Elemento Based on the Gallardo, the Sesto Elemento is a limited-run 562bhp track car composed largely of carbonfibre and weighing less than a tonne. Just 20 were made and they sold out before completion at nearly £2 million each. Terzo Millennio With a high-output electric motor on each wheel, this concept previewed Lamborghini’s future powertrains. Key features included self-healing bodywork, a kinetic energy recovery system and a structurally integral battery pack.…

“The new GT will sit alongside the Huracán, Aventador and Urus” Lamborghini’s fourth model line, a 2+2 grand tourer inspired by the 2008 Estoque concept, is due to be given the green light to arrive by 2025 – and, in a shock development, could become the brand’s first fully electric car. The four-seater, which has been chosen after being evaluated against a possible third mid-engined supercar, will sit alongside the entry-level Huracán supercar, the range-topping Aventador and the Urus SUV. Early debates questioned whether the 2+2 would be front or mid-engined, but a far more radical approach is now under serious consideration, according to Lamborghini R&D boss Maurizio Reggiani. “If you look at the timing for a fourth model line, there is the potential that this will be the right…

“The new XJ will be revealed before the end of 2020” Jaguar has begun the countdown to the launch of its next-generation all electric XJ flagship saloon with the release of the first preview image of the new car at the Frankfurt motor show. The image of the new XJ’s rear was shown during a video played at the firm’s press conference, where sibling brand Land Rover revealed the new Defender. It shows a classic saloon style rear end, with thin rear lights that feed into a light strip running the full width of the bootlid. The model also features both the Jaguar logo and the company’s name spelled out. The new XJ, based on Jaguar Land Rover’s new MLA architecture, will be revealed before the end of 2020 and go on sale soon…