Autocar December 11, 2019

NOT ALL CHANGES in the automotive industry have been for the better, as the unnecessary demise of the likes of city cars and diesel shows. Inaccurately advised legislators don’t help, doing their best to take the joy out of driving, even on our increasingly busy but under-resourced roads. So you’d be forgiven for thinking that the world was conspiring against those who seek only the chance to have simple fun and pleasure with cars, and a choice of what to buy. But this is Autocar, and we love cars as much as you do - and know that they combine joy, interest and enthusiasm like nothing else. This special issue, where we diversify our coverage even more into the world of cars, is hopefully a reinforcement of the pleasure that can be…

“The E-tron GT will be offered with the same three powertrain choices as traditional Audis” Audi Sport is ramping up its electrification offensive under new management, and will next year introduce the RS branding to a battery-powered model in the form of the production E-tron GT saloon. The sister model to the Porsche Taycan, set to be offered in regular, S and high-performance RS trims throughout its existence, is also likely to be joined by an RS version of Audi’s recently revealed E-tron Sportback. A number of plug-in hybrid RS models are also on the cards, while a new E-tron version of the current-generation R8 is tipped to appear next year as a prelude to a possible all-electric R8 replacement in a few years’ time. The plan for the Audi Sport division to…

We’re seeing a lot of new electric supercars. Does this appeal to Audi? “The E-Tron GT is a first step in this direction. I can imagine steps like this. Let’s see what happens – there are great chances. The energy in the battery is limited at the moment, so you need a jump in technology for [supercars].” How are you developing the styling of electric cars? “We have a big decision to make on how EVs look. It’s a myth that electric cars don’t need cooling and they don’t need a face – it’s not true. The battery and motor with this level of performance needs the cooling. It’s also a myth that electric cars need a short bonnet and a long A-post. If you do that, the dashboard gets bigger and you…

NOT ALL CHANGES in the automotive industry have been for the better, as the unnecessary demise of the likes of city cars and diesel shows. Inaccurately advised legislators don’t help, doing their best to take the joy out of driving, even on our increasingly busy but under-resourced roads. So you’d be forgiven for thinking that the world was conspiring against those who seek only the chance to have simple fun and pleasure with cars, and a choice of what to buy. But this is Autocar, and we love cars as much as you do - and know that they combine joy, interest and enthusiasm like nothing else. This special issue, where we diversify our coverage even more into the world of cars, is hopefully a reinforcement of the pleasure that…

“The E-tron GT will be offered with the same three powertrain choices as traditional Audis” Audi Sport is ramping up its electrification offensive under new management, and will next year introduce the RS branding to a battery-powered model in the form of the production E-tron GT saloon. The sister model to the Porsche Taycan, set to be offered in regular, S and high-performance RS trims throughout its existence, is also likely to be joined by an RS version of Audi’s recently revealed E-tron Sportback. A number of plug-in hybrid RS models are also on the cards, while a new E-tron version of the current-generation R8 is tipped to appear next year as a prelude to a possible all-electric R8 replacement in a few years’ time. The plan for the Audi…

“It’s powered by a bespoke naturally aspirated 4.0-litre V12 producing about 650bhp” Gordon Murray plans to unveil a production-spec version of his revolutionary T50 ground-effect ‘fan car’ in May. The £2.3 million ‘analogue’ hypercar, to be built at Murray’s new Dunsfold factory, will move immediately after launch into a prototype build and development phase, before production build-up begins during 2021. The first of the planned 125 cars – 100 road cars and 25 purely for the track – will reach its new owner at the beginning of 2022 and production will continue for a year. Under a deal just announced, the T50’s all-important aerodynamics package is being developed with the assistance of the Silverstone-based Racing Point Formula 1 team, formerly Force India. Access to the team’s moving-floor wind tunnel, plus the expertise of its…