Autocar November 25, 2020

THIS COUNTRY’S recent track record of mass-transport infrastructure projects is hardly a stellar one. HS2, Heathrow’s third runway, the A303 Stonehenge tunnel, Crossrail, the state of rail in the north, smart motorways… Now the government has given itself its biggest infrastructure project yet: the switch of all cars in the UK to zero emissions from 2035, once the five-year stay of execution for hybrids lapses. Be in no doubt: this is now an issue of infrastructure. Car makers will create the desirable, usable and likely affordable electric cars needed by 2035. However high they are asked to jump, they will. That’s just what they do. So how will the government ensure the charging infrastructure is there to support them? On the face of it, a £1.3 billion investment to fund charging points seems…

“Bentley’s debut EV, due in 2025, will be one of the first cars to use a new cutting-edge platform” Bentley’s debut electric vehicle, due in 2025, will be one of the first cars to use a new cutting-edge Audi-developed luxury car platform – and it will spearhead a series of radical new models that will expand Bentley’s range into new market segments. The Crewe manufacturer, owned by the Volkswagen Group, has committed to offering only battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) from 2030 onwards and it plans to meet that deadline by rolling out a family of new EVs in the second half of this decade. The first EV will take the form of a high-riding saloon. It will be based on a bespoke VW Group architecture, which is being developed by Project Artemis, an Audi-led…

Bentley’s plan to go fully electric means the clock is now ticking on its association with the VW Group’s W12 petrol engine, which began with the Continental GT in 2003. There was a sniffiness about it at the time from Bentley traditionalists, who preferred the more effortless torque of the firm’s 6.75-litre turbo V8. Well, that was certainly a wonderful engine too, but it wasn’t nearly as adaptable or clever as the compact, innovative W12. Some also said the W12 would never make big power reliably because of the inherent challenges of getting cool air to its inner banks of cylinders. Some problems. Three years ago, Bentley got 700 imperial horses from it, and 750lb ft, for the last-of-the-old-line Continental Supersports. I bet there’s quite a lot more to come from…

While Bentley has committed to offering only plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains from 2026 onwards, with EV-only models from 2030, chairman Adrian Hallmark said the firm is planning “an autumn rush” of new and updated versions of its combustion-engined cars in the next decade. Hallmark wouldn’t be drawn on details but said Bentley plans to “release a multitude of derivatives over the next three years” and will continue to invest in traditional powertrains, including plug-in hybrid variants. He said: “The problem with talking about strategy is that 10 years isn’t a long time but it’s short enough. When you talk about strategy, people will say: ‘Well, does that mean tomorrow you’re not building engines?’ Well, we are, and part of the discussion with governance is about how industry adapts. “You can’t just have…

The new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class has been unveiled as the pinnacle of the new luxury saloon range, offering more space and premium features for rear-seat occupants. Set to reach showrooms next summer, the Bentley Flying Spur rival aims to capitalise on growing demand for ultra-luxury flagship variants from markets such as China, Korea and Russia. It joins the Mercedes-Maybach GLS, the sub-brand’s first SUV, which was revealed last year. At 5469mm long, the Maybach S-Class is a full 180mm longer than even the long-wheelbase version of the standard Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The firm claims this increase “entirely benefits the rear”, making it ideal for those being chauffeured. The upgrade isn’t limited to more space, however, with the twin Executive seats fitted as standard allowing independent adjustment of the squabs and backrests. Mercedes also claims that the…

MAZDA IS POISED to offer a version of the new Toyota Yaris Hybrid supermini in Europe within the next two years, potentially as a replacement for the current Mazda 2. The two Japanese car makers have a long-running technical partnership that includes working on future electric vehicles. In a presentation to accompany its latest financial results, Mazda outlined how it aims to use its partnerships with other manufacturers to enhance and grow its range. This includes a plan to offer an “OEM-supplied model based on Yaris THS [Toyota Hybrid System]” in Europe within the next two years. That suggests the model would be built for Mazda by Toyota, likely alongside the Yaris at its factory in northern France. Having a hybrid-powered hatchback would help Mazda to meet its European Union CO2 emissions target.…