Autocar February 22, 2023

THE LIKES OF the Honda Civic Type R and Audi RS3 have specifications and technology more in keeping with a mid-engined sports car than the humble family hatchbacks on which they’re based. This rate of progress from car makers never ceases to amaze, yet the new Civic Type R, which faces all of its key rivals this week (p38), has a real end-of-era feel. It’s the kind of car unlikely to be bettered without a significant change in approach, such is the leap forward it has made and the depth of engineering quality within it. Car makers recognise the change that will come through electrification and what that means in the short to medium term for true enthusiast driver appeal, so there’s a sense that the kitchen sink is being thrown at…

“The hybrid system is described as being ‘even more advanced’ than what has been created for the new LMDh racer” Porsche will lay the foundations for the electrification of the 911 with an advanced new GT2 RS Hybrid – a model that will be the most powerful and fastest-accelerating roadgoing variant of the iconic sports car yet, according to company insiders. Due in 2026, the top-ofthe-line, limited-run 911, which is expected to cost upwards of £250,000, is being engineered with a newly developed hybrid drivetrain that will target “more than 700bhp”. This will be achieved using tech originally developed by Porsche Motorsport for the Le Mans 24 Hours-winning 919 Hybrid and further developed for its successor, the recently unveiled 963 LMDh racer. The new petrol-electric drivetrain is envisaged to be launched in the GT2…

THE LIKES OF the Honda Civic Type R and Audi RS3 have specifications and technology more in keeping with a mid-engined sports car than the humble family hatchbacks on which they’re based. This rate of progress from car makers never ceases to amaze, yet the new Civic Type R, which faces all of its key rivals this week (p38), has a real end-of-era feel. It’s the kind of car unlikely to be bettered without a significant change in approach, such is the leap forward it has made and the depth of engineering quality within it. Car makers recognise the change that will come through electrification and what that means in the short to medium term for true enthusiast driver appeal, so there’s a sense that the kitchen sink is being…

“The hybrid system is described as being ‘even more advanced’ than what has been created for the new LMDh racer” Porsche will lay the foundations for the electrification of the 911 with an advanced new GT2 RS Hybrid – a model that will be the most powerful and fastest-accelerating roadgoing variant of the iconic sports car yet, according to company insiders. Due in 2026, the top-ofthe-line, limited-run 911, which is expected to cost upwards of £250,000, is being engineered with a newly developed hybrid drivetrain that will target “more than 700bhp”. This will be achieved using tech originally developed by Porsche Motorsport for the Le Mans 24 Hours-winning 919 Hybrid and further developed for its successor, the recently unveiled 963 LMDh racer. The new petrol-electric drivetrain is envisaged to be…

The 911 GT2 RS is meant to be a daft car. When trying the most recent, 690bhp version, we bumped into Porsche test driver Richard Attwood, who called it “f***ing ridiculous”. And given that he won Le Mans in a 917, he should know. That example, as GT2s before it, was all about the boost. It had a decent level of initial engine response but then – wham! – up spooled the turbos to give you even more. And because it all came through just two rear contact patches, it would be likely to set the rear tyres alight. But without the extra weight of electrification that applied to so many supercars and hypercars, it was monumentally fast. This new version will be heavier but, I’ve no doubt, faster again. I’d just rather…

“It will be the most expensive Dacia but still embody the same value-for-money ethos as the Duster” The Bigster is one of a trio of new cars coming from Dacia that will kick-start an ambitious push to expand its footprint in the crucial C-segment while reaffirming its commitment to accessibility. Expanding in this market (in which it currently sells only the Duster SUV) will help the Romanian value brand to build on its rapid growth in Europe. This will allow Dacia to better compete with similarly positioned rivals (such as Skoda and Suzuki) that cater to wider target markets with more expansive model ranges. Devised as a rugged but road-focused rival to the likes of the Peugeot 5008 and Skoda Kodiaq, the Bigster will be the largest and most expensive model in the…