Latest news with #LucidAirSapphire
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Who is James Engelsman and when will the YouTube star present The Grand Tour with Thomas Holland and Francis Bourgeois?
The star has over 3 million subscribers on YouTube Car superstar Who is James Engelsman and when will the YouTube star present The Grand Tour with Thomas Holland and Francis Bourgeois? JAMES Engelsman is a famous influencer known for his love of cars. The superstar will be presenting the latest series of Amazon's Grand Tour, alongside Thomas Holland and Francis Bourgeois. Advertisement 3 James Engelsman will be presenting the Grand Tour Credit: Instagram 3 James will be joined by his friend Thomas Holland Credit: Instagram 3 Francis Bourgeois will be the third cast member on the new series Credit: Getty Images Becoming an influencer James Engelsman is a co-host of the popular YouTube channel Throttle House. He joined the channel three years after it was launched by Thomas in 2015. The pair have racked up 3.2 million followers (as of May 2025) through their in-depth car reviews and track tests. On the channel, they often show off luxury vehicles, including a stunning Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II and a 2025 Lucid Air Sapphire. Advertisement Joining the Grand Tour James will be presenting the next series of The Grand Tour alongside his Throttle House co-presenter Thomas and Francis Bourgeois. The series will see them trying out the latest cars and taking on the incredible challenges that made the show famous. James May, Richard Hammond, and Jeremy Clarkson were the show's original presenters after launching it in 2016. The trio became famous for presenting the BBC's Top Gear, before moving over to the Amazon series. Advertisement After decades of working together, they have decided to go their separate ways but did return for one final Grand Tour episode. Entitled The Not Very Grand Tour, the episode saw the trio looking back on their incredible career. Clarkson's Farm's Kaleb Cooper REPLACED by glam new farmhand in new series - as Jeremy's Top Gear co-star makes cameo James and Thomas have been described as a 'younger' and 'cooler' set of presenters and will be joined by Francis Bourgeois. A trainspotting superstar Francis Bourgeois is a famous trainspotter who first found fame in 2021. Advertisement The star's videos often saw him at major stations, using a fish-eye lens to spot his favourite trains. His videos were so popular that he landed campaigns with luxury brands including Italian fashion house Gucci. Ahead of his appearance on the show, a source said: 'Francis is a big noise online and Amazon producers are hoping to bring him into the mainstream. 'He is loved by everyone - from royals to rappers - and is sure to be a hit with Grand Tour viewers. Advertisement 'Francis is not just a social media sensation but trained as a mechanical engineer so knows his stuff.'
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Who is James Engelsman and when will the YouTube star present The Grand Tour with Thomas Holland and Francis Bourgeois?
JAMES Engelsman is a famous influencer known for his love of cars. The superstar will be presenting the latest series of Advertisement 3 James Engelsman will be presenting the Grand Tour Credit: Instagram 3 James will be joined by his friend Thomas Holland Credit: Instagram 3 Francis Bourgeois will be the third cast member on the new series Credit: Getty Images Becoming an influencer James Engelsman is a co-host of the popular He joined the channel three years after it was launched by The pair have racked up 3.2 million followers (as of May 2025) through their in-depth car reviews and track tests. On the channel, they often show off luxury vehicles, including a stunning Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II and a 2025 Lucid Air Sapphire. Advertisement Read More on Driving News Joining the Grand Tour James will be presenting the next series of The series will see them trying out the latest cars and taking on the incredible challenges that made the show famous. The trio became famous for presenting the BBC's Top Gear, before moving over to Advertisement Most read in News TV After decades of working together, they have decided to go their separate ways but did return for Entitled Clarkson's Farm's Kaleb Cooper REPLACED by glam new farmhand in new series - as Jeremy's Top Gear co-star makes cameo James and Thomas have been described as a 'younger' and 'cooler' set of presenters and will be joined by Francis Bourgeois. A trainspotting superstar Francis Bourgeois is a famous trainspotter who first found fame in 2021. Advertisement The star's videos often saw him at major stations, using a fish-eye lens to spot his favourite trains. His videos were so popular that he landed campaigns with luxury brands including Italian fashion house Gucci. Ahead of his appearance on the show, a source said: 'Francis is a big noise online and Amazon producers are hoping to bring him into the mainstream. 'He is loved by everyone - from royals to rappers - and is sure to be a hit with Grand Tour viewers. Advertisement 'Francis is not just a social media sensation but trained as a mechanical engineer so knows his stuff.'
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Yangwang Sells a 1287-HP Super Sedan for Under $90K in China
The Yangwang U7 is a supersedan from China with a surprisingly reasonable price. The U7's quad-motor electric powertrain churns out 1287 horsepower, and the U7 can also be had as a range-extender plug-in hybrid. Sales of the U7 just began in China, with prices starting at around $86,000 at current exchange rates. Electric vehicles have truly democratized power. Engines making 800-plus horsepower were once reserved for only the most exotic supercars, but now potent electric powertrains can be found in everything from luxury sedans such as the 1234-hp Lucid Air Sapphire to pickups like the 1025-hp Rivian R1T Quad-Motor. In China, automotive giant BYD has begun selling its latest electric beast, the Yangwang U7, a sleek sedan with 1287 horsepower and a starting price that equates to less than $90,000 at current exchange rates. BYD introduced the Yangwang brand in 2023, and yes, the name is bound to elicit a few snickers from those with a juvenile sense of humor. But Yangwang has cranked out some of China's most interesting cars since its arrival, starting with the brash, decadent U8 SUV and dramatic U9 supercar. Both produce well over 1000 hp, look sharp, and feature neat gimmicks: the U8 can act as a boat in emergency situations and the U9 can jump thanks to a trick active air suspension. While both the U8 and U9 start north of $150,000, the U7 brings absurd performance at a more attainable price. The four electric motors—one for each wheel—combine for 1287 hp and 1239 pound-feet of torque, enough for the sedan to blast from zero to 62 mph in a claimed 2.9 seconds en route to a 167 mph top speed. That's a stellar result, especially since the U7 is a bit porky. It weighs around 6800 pounds and measures 207.3 inches long, about eight inches longer than a Porsche Panamera. A 135.5-kWh battery provides 447 miles on a charge, although that figure came via China's optimistic CLTC test cycle and would be shorter using the EPA's test procedure. The battery can charge at up to 500 kW and Yangwang claims it can charge from 30 to 80 percent in under 20 minutes, although given the claimed peak power draw, that time seems a bit longer than we'd expect. The U7 brings other goodies too, like rear-wheel steering and the DiSus-Z suspension system, which utilizes linear actuators instead of a traditional hydraulic damper like the DiSus-P system in Yangwang's other models. Along with providing an ultra-smooth ride and being height-adjustable, the system can stabilize the U7 if a tire blows by lifting the affected wheel and driving on the remaining three. The God's Eye driver-assistance system, meanwhile, makes use of three lidar sensors, five radar sensors, 13 high-definition cameras, and 12 ultrasonic sensors. This all combines to provide Level 2 hands-free driving capability. The cabin is dominated by rich red nappa leather and a trio of screens, with a 12.8-inch central display augmented by a 23.6-inch digital instrument cluster and a 6.0-inch screen for the front passenger. Available in four and five-seat configurations, the front chairs are 20-way adjustable and are ventilated, heating, and massaging. Along with a pair of 12.8-inch screens, the rear passengers get foldout tables and a mini refrigerator, and there are even "temperature sensing" armrests meant to keep you from getting too hot or cold. There's also a 23-speaker sound system. If you're not quite ready to commit to an EV, the Yangwang U7 is also offered as a range-extender plug-in hybrid. The PHEV retains all four electric motors—now hooked up to a 52.4-kWh battery—but adds a turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four, chosen for its low, compact design. The battery alone provides 124 miles, and when the gas engine kicks in the U7 can travel 621 miles. It's a shame that the Yangwang U7—with its combination of handsome styling, brawny powertrain, capable suspension, and luxurious cabin—will almost assuredly never be sold here. And while it may not be entirely fair to compare the price directly to what's available in the U.S., it's hard to not be envious of Chinese EV shoppers when they can buy a vehicle as comprehensive as the U7 for less than $100,000. You Might Also Like Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars through the Decades How to Buy or Lease a New Car Lightning Lap Legends: Chevrolet Camaro vs. Ford Mustang!
The National
25-03-2025
- Automotive
- The National
Rolls-Royce Spectre Black Badge review: The 'best car in the world' gets better
Ever driven a Rolls-Royce on a racetrack? Let me guess – your answer is probably 'no' followed by 'why would I'? And asking why is reasonable, considering the 120-year history of the luxury motoring brand. For most of that time, these were cars to be driven by a professional chauffeur. But over the past 20 years, things have changed. Now, most owners prefer to be behind the wheel for, perhaps, the smoothest drive to be found anywhere. The brand itself calls it the 'magic carpet ride'. While the Rolls-Royce Spectre Black Badge , the newest vehicle in its line-up, still offers the signature magic carpet ride, it is also the most powerful car that the brand has produced. A high-performance version of the all-electric Spectre released in 2023, this is a car begging to be pushed to its limits – complete with two new power-train features that allow drivers to utilise the car's full capabilities. The car produces 659hp and 1075Nm of torque, an upgrade from the Spectre's 576hp and 900Nm. The new Infinity mode allows access to the full power and throttle response, and Spirited mode enables acceleration from 0 to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds. To accommodate those demands, Rolls-Royce has resigned the chassis, given the car a heavier steering feel and enhanced roll stabilisation – with dampers added to enhance body control. As I drive the car on a racetrack outside of Barcelona, it's immediately clear that the accomplished engineering can keep up with the brand's boasts. While this will never be confused with a car built for the track – it's far too heavy to ever feel natural to that environment – it holds its own, while never losing the road feel that the brand is known for. The main question is my mind, however, was not whether the car could live up to its performance claims. I was concerned, rather, that it would have the same neck-snapping acceleration feel of many performance EVs that boast instant torque delivery. Cars such as the Tesla Model S Plaid and Lucid Air Sapphire can go from 0 to 100km/h in 2.07 seconds. And that kind of acceleration isn't just uncomfortable – it's apparently dangerous, with Autoevolution reporting that it could even result in mild concussions. But even in Infinity and Spirited modes – I pushed the acceleration from 0 to 165km/h on the straight – the car preserved the thrilling, joyous feel of a V12 engine. Even as I dodged traffic cones in an obstacle course at 50km/h, the car adapted, slowing to a comfortable speed the more I pushed it back and forth. Rolls-Royce has always been a brand built on feel. The primary concern has been to make the ride as serene as possible. While it is built to last – an estimated 75 per cent of the Rolls-Royce vehicles ever produced are still on the road today – this brand has also been continuously refined to keep up with the times. The brand's first two electric vehicles feel like a natural evolution rather than a significant departure, which is an impressive engineering accomplishment. Even the performance modes in the Spectre Black Badge are in line with the brand's heritage. They are inspired by the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine found in the Spitfire fighter planes of Second World War, which offered modes that allowed pilots to engage extra thrust in life-and-death situations. While the loud roar of a combustion engine is so thoroughly missed in other leading luxury brands that have produced electric vehicles, the whisper-quiet Rolls-Royce is built for the EV era. That's why the brand plans to make all its fleet electric by 2030. The Rolls-Royce Spectre has passed the first test with flying colours – with some car reviewers even labelling it the best car in the world. The performance-minded Spectre Black Badge is arguably the bigger test and, even at its limits, it measures up. I suppose that makes this the new champion – and a sign that the electric future is probably brighter than some sceptics, myself included, believe it to be. Pre-orders for Rolls-Royce Spectre Black Badge are open now, with deliveries expected this year.
The National
24-03-2025
- Automotive
- The National
Rolls Royce Spectre Black Badge review: The 'best car in the world' gets better
Ever driven a Rolls-Royce on a racetrack? Let me guess – your answer is probably 'no' followed by 'why would I'? And asking why is reasonable, considering the 120-year history of the luxury motoring brand. For most of that time, these were cars to be driven by a professional chauffeur. But over the past 20 years, things have changed. Now, most owners prefer to be behind the wheel for, perhaps, the smoothest drive to be found anywhere. The brand itself calls it the 'magic carpet ride'. While the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Spectre, the newest vehicle in its line-up, still offers the signature magic carpet ride, it is also the most powerful car that the brand has produced. A high-performance version of the all-electric Spectre released in 2023, this is a car begging to be pushed to its limits – complete with two new power-train features that allow drivers to utilise the car's full capabilities. The car produces 659hp and 1075Nm of torque, an upgrade from the Spectre's 576hp and 900Nm. The new Infinity mode allows access to the full power and throttle response, and Spirited mode enables acceleration from 0 to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds. To accommodate those demands, Rolls-Royce has resigned the chassis, given the car a heavier steering feel and enhanced roll stabilisation – with dampers added to enhance body control. As I drive the car on a racetrack outside of Barcelona, it's immediately clear that the accomplished engineering can keep up with the brand's boasts. While this will never be confused with a car built for the track – it's far too heavy to ever feel natural to that environment – it holds its own, while never losing the road feel that the brand is known for. The main question is my mind, however, was not whether the car could live up to its performance claims. I was concerned, rather, that it would have the same neck-snapping acceleration feel of many performance EVs that boast instant torque delivery. Cars such as the Tesla Model S Plaid and Lucid Air Sapphire can go from 0 to 100km/h in 2.07 seconds. And that kind of acceleration isn't just uncomfortable – it's apparently dangerous, with Autoevolution reporting that it could even result in mild concussions. But even in Infinity and Spirited modes – I pushed the acceleration from 0 to 165km/h on the straight – the car preserved the thrilling, joyous feel of a V12 engine. Even as I dodged traffic cones in an obstacle course at 50km/h, the car adapted, slowing to a comfortable speed the more I pushed it back and forth. Rolls-Royce has always been a brand built on feel. The primary concern has been to make the ride as serene as possible. While it is built to last – an estimated 75 per cent of the Rolls-Royce vehicles ever produced are still on the road today – this brand has also been continuously refined to keep up with the times. The brand's first two electric vehicles feel like a natural evolution rather than a significant departure, which is an impressive engineering accomplishment. Even the performance modes in the Black Badge Spectre are in line with the brand's heritage. They are inspired by the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine found in the Spitfire fighter planes of Second World War, which offered modes that allowed pilots to engage extra thrust in life-and-death situations. While the loud roar of a combustion engine is so thoroughly missed in other leading luxury brands that have produced electric vehicles, the whisper-quiet Rolls-Royce is built for the EV era. That's why the brand plans to make all its fleet electric by 2030. The Rolls-Royce Spectre has passed the first test with flying colours – with some car reviewers even labelling it the best car in the world. The performance-minded Black Badge Spectre is arguably the bigger test and, even at its limits, it measures up. I suppose that makes this the new champion – and a sign that the electric future is probably brighter than some sceptics, myself included, believe it to be. Pre-orders for Rolls-Royce Black Badge Spectre are open now, with deliveries expected this year.
