Autocar November 17, 2021

THE INCREDIBLE progress of electric vehicles means we’ve become accustomed to big leaps between generations of cars. Electric and digital technology is developing so fast that car firms can barely keep up. But it’s important to recognise that cars don’t have to take big leaps to make significant advances. Just look at two cars we’ve driven this week: the Toyota GR 86 and BMW 2 Series Coupé, both pure-combustion-engined, rear-drive two-doors with a sports-led remit. Frankly, neither is revolutionary. They’re both clear evolutions of their predecessors, created by development teams who were plainly set on a path of refinement rather than reinvention. Which, actually, is a very good thing. It’s obvious that each machine has been honed by passionate engineers and is laser focused for car-loving purists. Neither of these…

Volvo’s third electric car will be the unconventionally shaped successor to the hugely popular XC90 SUV – and it will set the tone for a whole family of new EVs from the Swedish manufacturer. Due in 2022 as a production-ready version of the bold Concept Recharge shown earlier this year, the new arrival will provide Volvo with a long-awaited entry into the increasingly important full-sized electric SUV segment, into which most premium-oriented manufacturers have launched their debut EVs in recent years. Volvo’s existing pure EVs, the XC40 Recharge and coupé-backed C40 Recharge, sit a segment lower and use the same CMA platform as the conventionally fuelled XC40. Meanwhile, the XC90 successor, which will be given a name rather than a number in production form, will use Volvo’s new SPA2 platform.…

After the launch of the XC90 successor and the 3, Volvo and Polestar will each turn their attention to introducing new entry-level electric SUVs in the coming years. Volvo is understood to be working on a premiumoriented compact crossover in the vein of the Mercedes-Benz EQA and DS 3 Crossback E-Tense. The model will play a key role in the brand’s ambition for EVs to account for 50% of its global sales by 2025. Previously tipped to take either the XC20 or C20 moniker into production, it has now been confirmed to follow the XC90 replacement in adopting a new name and, like that car, will sit high off the ground but feature a streamlined silhouette to maximise efficiency. It will be the first Volvo model to sit on Geely’s…

Lotus will follow its fellow Geely Group sibling brands Volvo and Polestar in launching an electric SUV – and the firm has given the first official glimpse of it ahead of a reveal next year. The first in a family of Chinese-built Lotus EVs, the Type 132 will share Geely’s SEA platform with upcoming models from the two Swedish brands and will be offered with a choice of four-wheel-drive powertrains ranging in output from 600bhp to 750bhp. The first official preview image shows the distinctive hexagonal pattern of the SUV’s active grille shutter, which will serve to cool the drivetrain and reduce drag on the move. Lotus will drop more clues during the run-up to the EV’s full unveiling.…

The Porsche Cayman GT4 RS is the new flagship of the mid-engined 718 range, shedding weight and gaining power over the existing GT4 in pursuit of quicker lap times. Engineers at Porsche’s motorsport division have liberated an extra 79bhp and 15lb ft from the Cayman’s naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat six, which redlines at 9000rpm. That takes the total outputs to 493bhp and 332lb ft for a 0-62mph time of just 3.4sec and a top speed of 196mph. Power is sent to the rear axle through a seven-speed PDK automatic gearbox, which shifts “at lightning speed”, according to Porsche. Weight has been slashed by swapping the bonnet and front wings for carbonfibrereinforced plastic items, installing lightweight carpets, replacing the door handles with pull straps, reducing the amount of insulation and installing…

PORSCHE HAS EXPANDED its Taycan line-up with the introduction of the new Sport Turismo – which combines the estate-style body of the Cross Turismo with the lower ride height of the saloon. It is aimed at customers who want the “everyday practicality” of the Cross Turismo but don’t want to “miss out on the on-road performance” of the saloon. The Sport Turismo drops the 4x4-inspired off-road cladding of the higher-riding variant but keeps its 1200-litre boot and 45mm of extra head room over the saloon. The Sport Turismo is at the LA motor show this week in new GTS trim, which has been added to the Taycan line-up to serve as the “sporty sweet spot” of the range, between the 4S and Turbo. Due in dealerships in spring 2022, the…