CAR

It used to be said that the two immutable things in life were death and taxes. Within the automotive sphere, we could now add electrification to that somewhat dour duo. But does the electrified future of motoring really have to sound the death knell for the things that set petrolheads’ hearts revving? It’s certainly not the case when you consider the formidable-looking electric hypercar gracing the cover of this month’s issue of CAR: far from it! The Rimac Nevera is a prime example of just how exhilarating electrified motoring can be. With a tarmac-rending 1 427 kW and 2 360 N.m on tap, it’s the fastest production EV in the world, goading those brave enough to test its limits with a 412 km/h top speed… and we had a chance…

Building on the e-tron models that have gone before it, and those on the way, Audi’s Activesphere concept probably stands a better chance of getting the green light than the other Sphere concepts such as the Skysphere roadster, Grandsphere sedan and the Urbansphere MPV/SUV. OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD LOOKS On the face of it, the concept is a bakkie, which, in case you hadn’t noticed, is all the rage right now. But technically, it’s not, because of the styling along the profile that aligns more with the look of a four-door crossover coupé. Then there’s its resemblance to the RS Q e-tron vehicles, which scored 14 podiums at this year’s Dakar Rally and have been flying the flag for EVs in high-level motorsport. For those unsure where the Activesphere is supposed to sit in terms of…

SAUBER–AUDI Last year, Audi announced its intention to join motorsport’s premier formula at the Belgian Grand Prix after the change to F1’s technical regulations for 2026. It would later emerge that Audi would partner with the Sauber team, which currently operates as Alfa Romeo Racing, after purchasing a small stake in the Swiss outfit. Audi Sport will continue to use Sauber’s Hinwil facility. It includes a wind tunnel vital for success in Formula One, but the power unit will be built at an expanded version of the Neuburg an der Donau site in Germany, not too far from company headquarters in nearby Ingolstadt. Neuburg is the facility responsible for developing the powertrains that led Audi to an unprecedented run of wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. As Audi has turned…

After a 20-year-long hiatus, the Blue Oval will return to Formula One to partner with Red Bull Powertrains and help develop the hybrid power unit that will drive the Oracle Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri team cars from 2026 until 2030. The revised technical regulations for 2026 include a 350 kW electric motor and combustion engine compatible with sustainable fuels, and Ford’s expertise in powertrains will be vital to the success of the Red Bull outfit. Ford’s management has already set aside $50 billion in a bid for EV market dominance, as it is already the number-two EV manufacturer in its domestic market. “F1 will be an incredibly cost-effective platform to innovate, share ideas and technologies, and engage with tens of millions of new customers,” explained Jim Farley, president and CEO…

The stylish younger brother to the full-size Range Rover offering, the sleek Velar is perhaps not yet the off-roading guru its big brother is. The British firm has seen fit to embrace the fact that the Velar’s target market is more concerned with how it fares on the road. Upfront, the Velar’s kerb-side appeal was enhanced with a new grille as well as the company’s new “pixel” LED headlamps that include a sliver of daytime running lights. At the rear, the bumper’s lower half was redesigned so the tailpipes are hidden, and there are new LED taillamps. Buyers can opt for a leather-free cabin, which uses a combination of wool by Danish textile experts Kvadrat and polyurethane inserts. The new material is claimed to have been put through 60 000 cycles of…

The concept of removing weight and adding power is nothing novel in the automotive world, but when BMW does it, it usually means something special. Throw in the much-vaunted CS badge and you’d better grip the edge of your seat. BMW has tapped into the knowledge gleaned from the company’s successful 2022 DTM season and employs a few motorsport-inspired bits from that race car, including the crankcase, crankshaft, cylinder head and optimised oil supply and cooling system for track use. The result is a safe 30 kW power hike over an M3 Competition, for a 405 kW peak by turning up the boost from 1,7 to 2,1 bar. The M3 CS produces 650 N.m from 2 750 r/min all the way to 5 950 r/min. The M3 CS sends torque to all…