Latest news with #Motors
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Mystery as iconic carmaker ‘immediately halts ALL sales of EV in UK until further notice'
AN ICONIC carmaker has dramatically halted all sales of one of its electric vehicles in the UK. The company mysteriously told its retailers to stop selling a specific batch of the electric sports car. 3 The carmaker has issued a recall for one of its electric sports cars Credit: Alamy 3 A number of Porsche dealers have been asked to stop selling the motor Credit: Getty Several main Porsche dealers have been asked to remove a selection of electric Taycan models from sale, according to It follows a request from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) which manages motor recalls in the UK. The problem relates to a previous recall issued in November by the DVSA which said it could pose a fire risk. According to the DSVA, the reason for that recall was: "A short circuit within the battery modules during the vehicle's service life cannot be ruled out under certain circumstances which could lead to thermal events and later to a fire in the vehicle." Read more in Motors A new Porsche software that will detect the problem and display a warning to the vehicle owner if it occurs is due later next month. Porsche GB said in a statement: "Enhanced battery monitoring software is anticipated to become available for first generation Taycan models towards the end of June. "With its imminent arrival, we've advised our retail partners not to sell a small, specific batch of first generation Taycan models until the software update is live." The carmaker has been contacted for comment. Most read in Motors One Porsche dealer said: "Unfortunately Porsche and the DVSA haven't put a definitive timeframe on approved Taycans so at the minute we're now having to remove all Taycans from sale for the foreseeable future. "Porsche head office have sent out a bulletin to say we need to remove them from sale and not deliver any until further notice." A number of Taycans were still up for sale on the official Porsche used website as of this morning. It is understood that the bulletin sent out to dealers was only sent yesterday. A handful of Taycan models are thought to be affected by the issue in question, but it's not known how many outside of official dealers could be impacted too. Inside Taycan Turbo GT Porsche that can hit 200mph as SunSport's Isabelle Barker is taken for a spin by Formula E safety car driver Both Porsche GB and the DVSA have previously issued 12 safety recalls on various Taycan models. This includes recalls to replace brake hoses, address problem with welding and suspension components and replacing cell blocks in the high voltage battery. DVSA issues recalls when potential safety defects could inflict serious injury or harm to drivers, passengers, or other road users. They investigate when a manufacturer identifies a defect and they can initiate a recall to fix the issue, usually at no cost to the owner. Just last November, It issued a notice on three of its most popular models including the iconic Owners were urged to "stop driving immediately". 3 The iconic 911 was subject to a recall last year over the risk of the wheels falling off Credit: Alamy
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
We bought old school bus on eBay & transformed it into family travel wagon – it has bunk beds, fridge & washing machine
A FAMILY have hit the road after buying and transforming an old school bus bought on eBay. Travelling with their two daughters, a couple from Newcastle have swapped their restaurant business for life on the go. 8 The couple from Newcastle are travelling in the bus with their two daughters Credit: SWNS 8 After purchasing the bus online they set about to renovate it Credit: SWNS 8 The renovated bus now boasts a number of features Credit: SWNS Lotti Harrison, 29, and Ty Burns, 37, sold the business to snap up a £25k classic American school bus on eBay. Having always dreamed of travelling in a van, Ty spotted the 11-metre long school bus listing in August 2024. The couple knew they had to go for it and Ty renovated the bus by himself for the next six months. They fitted their new family travel wagon with bunk beds, a full-sized fridge, washing machine and king-sized bed. Read more Motors news It's even kitted out with noise-proof acoustic panelling to help with noise levels as well as underfloor heating, air-con and a log burner. Speaking to "We wanted it to be as comfortable for us and the girls as possible." They then sold their restaurant business and ended the tenancy for their four-bed, three-storey town house. Most read in Motors The couple kept essentials and sentimental items but sold off the majority of their furniture and possessions with Lotti saying "it felt so good to get rid of stuff." They then set off on their travels last month for Belgium before making their way through How to use ChatGPT for home & garden renovations without spending a penny - see how good it looks before you even start Their next stops are The route back to the UK will see them pass through Greece, Italy and France. They hope to use their savings to fund their travels for a year before deciding whether to continue upon their return. Although not without its challenges, highlights so far have included Disneyland Paris and cycling around Lake Annecy in France. 8 Ty, 37, spent six months transforming the vehicle Credit: SWNS 8 The couple snapped up the bus for £25k when they saw it online Credit: SWNS Lotti said: "We've never been that 9 to 5 vibe - but ever since having the girls we realised how quickly time goes. "We wanted to spend as much time now together as a family and watch them grow up. "Sending them to a nursery didn't seem right to us. "If we didn't do it now, we'd probably never do it." The couple always dreamed of travelling and even bought a bus they saw on the side of the road for £500 six years ago. But their plans were put on hold after realising the bus was "knackered". 8 It even features a log burner for the family as well as underfloor heating Credit: SWNS 8 The bus has been getting attention on the road Credit: SWNS Lotti added: "Since having the girls the reality was a bit more tricky." But Ty then spotted the school bus on eBay and the couple decided to go for it. Their two daughters are loving life on the road, according to Lotti. She said: "The girls have taken to it so well. "Waking up in a different place is so exciting for them." They also love that they can stay in a place if they fancy or move on if the weather is "rubbish". There have been fans along the way too with everyone "in awe" and "beeping their horns". Lotti said: "We can't go anywhere without being papped". The mum of two also hopes to inspire others to travel and encourages others to get out of their "comfort zone". She said: "There's a whole world out there." Lotti and Ty aren't the only ones to have their home on the road either. Earlier this year Eventually, the bus will come complete with underfloor heating, a full-sized bedroom and lounge. 8 The family hope to spend their savings on a year of travelling Credit: SWNS
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Iconic car brand to REVIVE ‘minimalistic' hatchback loved in the '80s – but with a modern twist
MOTORISTS can now get their hands on an iconic '80s design - but with a modern twist. The car has been redesigned and modernised, while keeping all of the much-loved original features. 4 Skoda has reimagined its iconic Favorit hatchback, now with an electric engine 4 The front and rear lights use LED running lights and covers hiding the main beams 4 Its minimalist design was inspired by the 1987 original version Bringing it into the future with a new electric model, Skoda has reimagined their popular Favorit hatchback. The Its Read more Motors Ljudmil added: "A higher body structure allows for better battery placement in the floor." With a retro design to base the new model on, Ljudmil wanted to "evolve and elevate" the "already minimalistic" features of the 1987 hatchback. He described this process as "very challenging." "I sketched many versions, searched for the ideal shape of the grille and headlights, tried different perspectives and consulted a lot with colleagues," Ljudmil said. Most read in Motors Some of the Its interior mirror some of the car's original design features, although we're yet to see photos of the specific design. The seats' headrests are modelled on the open-centred items in the retro model, while brown leather upholstery is used to reference 1980s fashion. Some of the features Skoda drivers have come to recognise in their newer models are missing, with the Its wheels are inspired by the placeholders used when the wheels aren't a prominent part of the design. The front and rear lights Motorists might be surprised by the rear-hinged doors - a departure from the original design. This isn't the first time that Ljudmil has designed a car inspired by the Favorit - in the early 1990s he designed a rally version that achieved success in the World Rally Championship's F2 class. The rally design differed from the new passenger version as it was both lower and wider, with unpainted plastic bumpers. Over the last few years, Skoda has released several cars that were inspired by In 2021, they released cars inspired by the 1203 van, Voiturette A, Felica Cabriolet, 130RS and Popular Monte Carlo. Ljudmil was also responsible for designing the re-imagined Popular Monte Carlo. 4 Skoda has released several cars inspired by older models in recent years Credit: Alamy
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
As Alfa Romeo celebrates its 115th anniversary it's also been announced as official sponsor of the Mondello Park bridge
Alfa Romeo Ireland is proud to announce its official sponsorship of one our motorsport's most iconic landmarks – the Mondello Park bridge. This partnership coincides with the year that Alfa Romeo celebrates its 115th anniversary. 4 DREAM PARTNERSHIP: Ciaran Cusack, Communications & Brand Manager at Alfa Romeo Ireland, John Saunders, Managing Director at Alfa Romeo Ireland and Roddy Greene, Managing Director of Mondello Park Credit: Alfa Romeo Ireland The Italian brand has a long association with Motorsport in Ireland, with the first ever Irish Grand Prix in 1929 at the Phoenix Park being won by Russian driver Boris Ivanowski, a former Imperial Officer of the Russian army, who dominated the event in an Alfa-Romeo 6C. In 1931 Henry Birkin won the Éireann Cup at that year's race in an Alfa-Romeo 8C. That race marked the final ever Grand Prix in Ireland, but Alfa Romeo continued to impress in other Motorsport arenas like the Leinster Trophy and, from 1968, races at Mondello Park. Mondello Park has seen its fair share of international legends take to the track over the years, including Ayrton Senna, Mika Häkkinen, and James Hunt. It has also played a key role in nurturing Irish talent, with the likes of John Watson, Eddie Irvine, and the late Eddie Jordan regularly competing at the track. As Ireland's only international motorsport venue, Mondello Park has long stood at the heart of Irish racing culture. 4 ITALIAN STALLIONS: Alfa Romeo Ireland is official sponsorship of the Mondello Park bridge Credit: Alfa Romeo Ireland 4 RED LETTER DAY: Ciaran Cusack with Niamh Brady, Marketing and Cummunication manager and Mondello Park Credit: Alfa Romeo Ireland Now, with Alfa Romeo's name adorning the landmark bridge that spans the track, two brands steeped in passion for performance and heritage are united. This exciting partnership also sees the Alfa Romeo Giulia and the all-new Alfa Romeo Junior EV SUV unveiled as the official safety cars for the circuit. Most read in Motors John Saunders, Head of Alfa Romeo Ireland, said: 'Alfa Romeo has a proud racing heritage, and we're thrilled to bring that spirit to Ireland's premier racing venue. The Mondello Park bridge is an iconic feature of Irish motorsport, and we're honoured to see the Alfa Romeo name featured so prominently. With the Giulia and the new Junior leading the safety fleet, we're also showcasing the power and dynamism that define Alfa Romeo today.' The Alfa Romeo Giulia – a powerful saloon with unmistakable Italian design – and the dynamic new Alfa Romeo Junior, the first all-electric model from the brand, will take centre stage as Mondello Park's official safety cars for all major track events. Roddy Greene, Managing Director of Mondello Park, added: 'We're delighted to welcome Alfa Romeo Ireland on board as the official sponsor of the Mondello Park bridge. The brand's legacy in motorsport and commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with our vision for the future of Irish racing. The addition of the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Junior to our safety car fleet elevates our track presence and adds a touch of Italian flair to every race day.' This collaboration marks a new chapter for both Alfa Romeo and Mondello Park. For more information on Alfa Romeo visit 4 NEW ARRIVAL: Sales Manager at Mondello Park Leo Nulty checks out the new Alfa Romeo Junior Credit: Alfa Romeo Ireland
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Incredible moment Britain's first ever flying taxi takes to UK skies with speeds of 150mph and room for four passengers
BRITAIN'S first ever flying taxi has taken to the skies in a successful flight over the Cotswolds. The electric aircraft has room for four passengers, can reach speeds of 150mph and can take of and land vertically like a 4 The aircraft use a bank of propellers on each wing Credit: Vertical Aerospace 4 The innovative craft can take off and land vertically Credit: Vertical Aerospace Group Ltd The prototype VX4 Footage of the flight showed the aircraft spinning up its rotors and taking to the skies. With propellers that can hold the craft in a hovering pattern or rotate and perform like a traditional plane the aircraft can use a runway or take off vertically. It boasts a range of up to 100 miles which it can cover in less than an hour of flying. Read more in Motors Developed by Bristol-based Video footage of the flight showed off the aircraft's impressive capabilities in its first flight outside of strictly controlled test conditions. It comes after the government set a target to make flying taxis a reality by 2028. Vertical Aerospace's VX4 flight marked the first open airspace flight of a flying taxi in Europe. Most read in Motors A hover test of the aircraft was carried out in January and rivals have undertaken test flights in the US and Dubai. Vertical Aerospace has received millions of pounds in UK Government funding to develop the aircraft. The company has also received tens of millions of pounds of funding from private investors. Last month the Government announced £20 million of funding for the Civil Aviation Authority to make flying taxis a reality. Further flights of the VX4 are expected later this year with the craft's transition from hovering to cruising using its wings set to be tested. A group of several companies in the UK are currently working on developing flying taxis. 4 The aircraft have a range of 100 miles and can reach speeds of 150mph Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk 4 The craft, powered by electricity, are designed to be quiet Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk It is hoped that the The aircraft are designed to be quiet, zero emission modes of transport. A trip from Liverpool to Leeds in a flying taxi could take as little as 26 minutes. Flying car promises to transform into plane in two minutes Pilot Simon Davies said: 'Taking the aircraft beyond the airfield and cruising over the Cotswolds for the first time was truly special and a career highlight for me. 'Our performance predictions were absolutely spot on, and the aircraft took off as a natural extension of all the ground tests and preparation we've done.' Earlier this year, Founder Stephen Fitzpatrick ceded control of the business as part of the rescue plan.
