Latest news with #PaddyMcGrath
Scottish Sun
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Major car brand ‘to launch EV version' of popular model next year – and it will be faster than its flagship vehicle
Set to go electric — and it could leave the current top model behind HOT HATCH Major car brand 'to launch EV version' of popular model next year – and it will be faster than its flagship vehicle A MAJOR car brand is set to launch an electric version of one of its most popular models next year – and it's tipped to be even faster than the current flagship. Volkswagen is reportedly preparing to unveil an electric GTI hot hatch, based on its ID.3 model, with a launch expected in 2026, according to 5 The new ID.3 GTI will carry the legendary GTI badge Credit: Getty 5 The ID.3 GTI will deliver around 335hp, that's 13hp more than the current GTX model Credit: Supplied 5 This electric version will reportedly be rear-wheel drive Credit: Photo by Paddy McGrath This comes after the German manufacturer first stepped into the electric hot hatch space last year with the ID.3 GTX. The new ID.3 GTI will carry the legendary GTI badge, though it won't have the fuel injectors that gave the original its name. And unlike traditional GTIs, which have front-wheel drive, this electric version will reportedly be rear-wheel drive. According to Auto Motor and Sport, the ID.3 GTI will deliver around 335hp, that's 13hp more than the current GTX model. VW is also said to be working on major upgrades to the chassis, steering, and suspension to give drivers a more exciting and responsive experience behind the wheel. Interestingly, the electric GTI wasn't part of Volkswagen's original plan. But with delays to the next-generation electric Golf, now expected near the end of the decade, the carmaker is opting for a second facelift of the ID.3 to extend its life on the market. This update is set to bring the ID.3's design and technology closer to the upcoming ID.2 range. The ID.3 first launched in 2019 and saw a refresh in 2023. Inside the Volkswagen ID With the latest facelift, expected in 2026, the ID.3 GTI will take centre stage as VW's new electric performance star. VW has already shown off the ID. GTI concept, which previews the company's first electric car to wear the iconic badge. However, the larger ID.3 GTI now looks likely to beat it to showrooms. Pricing details are still under wraps, but in Germany, the current ID.3 GTX starts at just over €47,000, while the upcoming ID.2 will launch from around €25,000. Naturally, the GTI versions will carry a premium. Several other VW electric models have already received the GTX badge, including the ID.7 saloon, ID.7 Tourer estate, and even the GTX minivan. It's still unclear whether Volkswagen plans to eventually replace GTX with the more recognisable GTI name across its electric range. There's also speculation that an electric R-badged model could follow. And with rumours that VW may redesign the GTI logo to feature a lightning bolt in place of the 'I,' the brand's electric future is certainly shaping up to be electrifying. 5 Interestingly, the electric GTI wasn't part of Volkswagen's original plan Credit: Volkswagen AG
The Irish Sun
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Major car brand ‘to launch EV version' of popular model next year – and it will be faster than its flagship vehicle
A MAJOR car brand is set to launch an electric version of one of its most popular models next year – and it's tipped to be even faster than the current flagship. Volkswagen is reportedly preparing to unveil an electric GTI hot hatch, based on its ID.3 model, with a launch expected in 2026, according to Advertisement 5 The new ID.3 GTI will carry the legendary GTI badge Credit: Getty 5 The ID.3 GTI will deliver around 335hp, that's 13hp more than the current GTX model Credit: Supplied 5 This electric version will reportedly be rear-wheel drive Credit: Photo by Paddy McGrath This comes after the German manufacturer first stepped into the electric hot hatch space last year with the ID.3 GTX. The new ID.3 GTI will carry the legendary GTI badge, though it won't have the fuel injectors that gave the original its name. And unlike traditional GTIs, which have front-wheel drive, this electric version will reportedly be rear-wheel drive. According to Auto Motor and Sport, the ID.3 GTI will deliver around 335hp, that's 13hp more than the current GTX model. Advertisement Read more on Motors VW is also said to be working on major upgrades to the chassis, steering, and suspension to give drivers a more exciting and responsive experience behind the wheel. Interestingly, the electric GTI wasn't part of Volkswagen's original plan. But with delays to the next-generation electric Golf, now expected near the end of the decade, the This update is set to bring the ID.3's design and technology closer to the upcoming ID.2 range. Advertisement Most read in Motors Latest The ID.3 first launched in 2019 and saw a refresh in 2023. Inside the Volkswagen ID With the latest facelift, expected in 2026, the ID.3 GTI will take centre stage as VW's new electric performance star. VW has already shown off the ID. GTI concept, which previews the company's first electric car to wear the iconic badge. However, the larger ID.3 GTI now looks likely to beat it to showrooms. Advertisement Pricing details are still under wraps, but in Germany, the current ID.3 GTX starts at just over €47,000, while the upcoming ID.2 will launch from around €25,000. Naturally, the GTI versions will carry a premium. Several other VW electric models have already received the GTX badge, including the ID.7 saloon, ID.7 Tourer estate, and even the GTX minivan. It's still unclear whether Volkswagen plans to eventually replace GTX with the more recognisable GTI name across its electric range. Advertisement There's also speculation that an electric R-badged model could follow. And with rumours that VW may redesign the GTI logo to feature a lightning bolt in place of the 'I,' the brand's electric future is certainly shaping up to be electrifying. 5 Interestingly, the electric GTI wasn't part of Volkswagen's original plan Credit: Volkswagen AG 5 The ID.3 first launched in 2019 and saw a refresh in 2023 Credit: Alamy Advertisement
The Irish Sun
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
The new 727bhp BMW M5 is big, beautiful and bloody ballistic plus it's a PHEV for the first time ever
LAST week, I completed Bumblebee 1000's latest roadtrip in the ballistic new BMW M5. This incredible machine is the most powerful M5 ever, and also the first plug-in hybrid M5. Advertisement Combined, its 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, 145kw electric motor and 18.6kWh battery produce a supercar-rivalling 727bhp and 1,000Nm of torque. It's astonishingly fast, able to blitz 0-100kph in just 3.5 seconds, and with the optional M Drivers Package it will keep charging all the way to 305kph. 7 BUMBLEBEE BEAST: The M5 made the perfect machine for Bumblebee 1000's latest charity roadtrip as it's supercar-fast and super comfy on long journeys Credit: Jacob Liggett But fitting the engine and hybrid system into a big five-door family saloon adds weight. And the fact the new M5 tips the scales at 2,510kg has been a huge topic of discussion. Advertisement But the majority of those complaining about the weight have not driven it, because if you did, then you would understand how incredible a job the BMW boffins have done to mask that weight. When cornering hard on uneven surfaces or under heavy braking, sure, you notice the weight, but you really have to be pushing the M5 to the max. 7 BELLY OF THE BEAST: The M5's 4.4-litre, twin-tubo V8 and hybrid system produces an incredible 727bhp Credit: Paddy McGrath Key facts: BMW M5 Cost: From €137,055 (From £111,405 in the UK) Engine: 4.4-litre, twin-turbo V8, 145kW electric motor and 18.6kWh battery Power: 727bhp Torque: 1,000Nm 0-100kph: 3.5 seconds Top Speed: 305kph Economy: 148.7mpg Emissions: 43g/km Rivals: Mercedes-AMG E53, Audi RS7, Porsche Panamera It comes with Adaptive M Suspension with electronically controlled dampers and Integral Active Steering,. Advertisement This clever feature can steer the rear wheels by up to 1.5° and this improves directional stability at high speeds, as well as agility and comfort when manoeuvring. Most read in Motors Review Review When driven sensibly it's a very comfortable long-distance cruiser, and if you keep the battery charged it's economical too. BMW quote a 148.7mpg figure. I didn't see results as good as that but on my way to Bumblebee, I filled the M5 with petrol in Newry and drove to Barberstown Castle near Dublin and the gauge just dipped below full. 7 BRING THE NOISE: It comes fitted with an M Exhaust but it could be louder to really let that big V8 sound its best as that's the only area the M5 is lacking Credit: Paddy McGrath Advertisement And it does have a very useful 70km electric-only range too. But step on the gas and the M5 has the power to annihilate the Autobahn with ease. It will explode into life, pinning you back in your seat as it relentlessly slams through all of its eight gears at an alarming rate, making wonderful noises out of the twin-exit dual exhausts. But my one complaint is that it could be louder, even fitted with the M Exhaust — I'd love to hear more roar from that big V8. Behind the steering wheel are two discrete M1 and M2 buttons that allow you to quickly switch between different set-ups for engine, chassis, steering and brakes, so choose M2 for manic and M1 for the full maniac mode. Advertisement 7 MAGIC NUMBERS: Red buttons behind the wheel allow you to quickly switch between different set-ups for engine, chassis, steering and brakes so choose M2 for manic and M1 for the full maniac mode Credit: Paddy McGrath You can also switch the M5's all-wheel-drive M xDrive system from 4WD to 2WD. However this is best suited to track driving as you wouldn't be long burning through a set of rear tyres. My test car came fitted with the optional M Carbon-Ceramic Brakes that are incredible, doing a phenomenal job of bringing the big Beemer to a stop. Advertisement It also came with M Performance Parts that add carbon door mirror, boot spoiler and exhaust tips — even the roof is carbon fibre. 7 BOOT SIZE: The M5's boot offers 466 litres of luggage space Credit: Jacob Liggett 7 LAP OF LUXURY: BMW's curved dual screens take centre stage, there's heated and cooled front seats and heated rear seats Credit: Paddy McGrath Inside, the cabin is superb as you'd imagine from a flagship BMW. Advertisement The curved dual screens dominate the dash, with carbon trim everywhere. The sports seats are superb, heated and air-cooled, the M badge lights up at night and there's heated seats in the back as well. The M5 saloon starts at €137,055 and the Touring model is a few grand more, starting at €139,515 and that's a lot of money. Read more on the Irish Sun Its little brother the M3 is actually more expensive as it starts from €154,395, but the M5 is more powerful, and as it's a PHEV, it's much cheaper to tax. Advertisement 7 THE KING OF CARBON: The M5 is available with carbon fibre mirrors, carbon boot spoiler, carbon ceramic brakes, even the roof's carbon Credit: Paddy McGrath
