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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.
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
The new electric cars coming in 2025
Like them or loathe them, electric cars are here to stay – and 2025 is looking to be their biggest year yet, with several major new models arriving on the market. EV ownership is growing fast in the UK. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, a record number were sold in 2024. Of the 1.95 million cars sold in 2024, 19.6% were electric - an increase of 16.5% year-on-year. We're expecting huge arrivals from established car makers – including Renault, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Hyundai and Tesla – while newcomers such as BYD, Leapmotor and Xpeng fill their arsenals. These range from your everyday electric hatchback to big electric seven-seaters. There's also a host of electric sports cars to look forward to and even the odd electric supermini. Let's get straight into it, then. From Abarth to Xpeng, here's every new EV coming in 2025. Performance version of Fiat's new small crossover gets up to 276bhp from a single motor, which should propel it from 0-62mph in 5.9sec. Some will feel let down by its range, though, with its 54kWh battery offering just 207 miles. Read our Classic British roadster is going electric, with a lightweight design (it comes in at just 1134kg), a 72kWh battery and a 300bhp electric motor. It will cost you around £212,000, however. Read more about the new The first crossover to come from this French performance brand, the A390 will feature a tri-motor powertrain with active torque-vectoring, which is promised to make it feel far lighter than it actually is. Expect a price tag just below £100,000. Read more about the Audi Sport's incoming performance saloon/estate will display some serious performance, rivalling the likes of the Porsche Taycan Turbo S and Tesla Model S Plaid. That's all while offering the practicality of the regular A6 E-tron. Read more about the More power and range are the order of the day for BMW's large electric SUV. Expect increases of around 10% in both departments, which should push the controversially styled iX past 400 miles of range and around 520bhp. Read more about the This SUV is the first step into BMW's 'new-class' design revolution. We've no performance or range figures yet, but we know it will be equipped with 800V electrical hardware, which will make it one of the fastest-charging EVs on sale. Read more about the Another electric compact crossover, this time from Chinese giant BYD. This Vauxhall Frontera rival gets a single motor with 174bhp and a 45.1kWh battery, which produces around 194 miles of range. Inside, the Atto 2 offers seating for five and a 400-litre boot. Read our The Seagull will be one of the smallest EVs on sale when it arrives later this year, as well as one of the cheapest: it could cost as little as £7730. UK specifications are unconfirmed, but range should stand at around 250 miles. Read more about the Technology and efficiency updates arrive for the Seal saloon, which gets a slightly smaller battery for a range of 320 miles. Updates to the interior include a new steering wheel and more upmarket materials, although the powertrains remain the same. Read more about the The SUV version of the Seal saloon gets some fairly powerful powertrains, including a 523bhp one with four-wheel drive. Despite a sizeable 91.3kWh battery, it will manage only around 312 miles on a change. Read our This all-new small EV will sit below the Born in Cupra's line-up, with a reasonable price tag of below £20,000. Performance and range are to be confirmed, but the hatchback is rumoured to produce around 231bhp and have a range of circa 273 miles. Read more about the BYD-owned Denza hopes its upmarket Z9 GT will challenge stalwarts BMW and Audi. In its most powerful specification, this saloon/shooting brake will pump out 952bhp and 1018lb ft of torque. 0-62mph? Just 2.9sec… Read more about the Fiat's latest retro-inspired small car will cost less than £22,000 in both electric and hybrid guises. The EV will get a 44kWh battery and a 111bhp electric motor, producing somewhere in the region of 199 miles. Read our Ford has electrified its best-selling model, the Puma compact crossover, with a 43kWh battery and 234 miles of range. A single front-mounted motor supplies 166bhp, 214lb ft of torque and a 0-62mph sprint time of around 8.0sec. Read more about the This more upmarket alternative to the hot Hyundai Ioniq 5 N will adopt similar underpinnings, such as its 89kWh battery and 641bhp dual-motor powertrain. Its chief development manager said it's tailored for 'the gentleman driver' but encourages driving in 'an exciting, enthusiastic way.' Read more about the The Ora 07 is a saloon counterpart to the Ora 03 supermini (formerly the Ora Funky Cat), with a price expected to land below £35,000. In its most premium specification, drivers can expect 354 miles of range and crazy performance, with 402bhp from two motors. Read our The £22,715 Inster is the first electric supermini from Hyundai. A heat pump, four seats and dual 10.25in dashboard screens are standard, in addition to a reversing camera and blindspot monitoring. A range of 223 miles can be extracted from its 49kWh battery. Read our Based on the success of the Ioniq 5 N, we're expecting big things from the Ioniq 6 N sports saloon. It's expected to use an 86kWh battery and dual electric motors for four-wheel drive, but its performance is the juiciest part: 641bhp and 549lb ft. We can't wait. Read more about the Closely related to the Kia EV9, the Ioniq 9 comes with seven seats and a flood of technology, topping the Ioniq EV range in the process. The entry-level Long Range RWD model uses a single 215bhp motor, giving it an official range just shy of 400 miles. Read our Set to receive both petrol and electric power, the next-generation Compass will go into production in Italy later this year. It will get a 207bhp electric motor and a 73kWh battery pack, sitting just above the Avenger in the Jeep line-up. Read more about the Jeep's new flagship will offer incredible performance in the body of a rugged off-roader, with a claimed output of 592bhp and 516lb ft. Four-wheel drive comes from two motors, and 0-62mph will take just 3.4sec. Range is said to stand at over 300 miles. Read more about the The brand formerly known as Ssangyong's next pick-up truck will be an EV using mechanicals supplied by China's BYD. Much of the hardware is shared with the Torres eVX SUV, including a choice of 73.4kWh and 80.1kWh batteries. No word on payload capacity, though. Read more about the Kia isn't just relying on SUVs in 2025: its EV4 will breathe new life in the saloon class, rivalling the venerable Tesla Model 3. Versions coming to the UK will be offered with 215bhp front-wheel-drive and 320bhp four-wheel-drive powertrains. Read more about the Effectively an electric Sportage, the EV5 follows the introduction of the seven-seat EV9 and compact EV3 crossovers. Battery sizes stretch from 58kWh to 88kWh and Kia says the biggest-battery model can offer 403 miles of range. Read more about the The EV9 GT will be one of the fastest seven-seaters in the world, capable of hitting 0-62mph in just 4.3sec. Total power output stands at 501bhp, but it's still to be revealed how this outrageous performance will impact the EV9's range. Read more about the Kia's entry into the commercial vehicle market will start with the 4.7m-long PV5. Based on a highly configurable platform, it will initially be launched as a cargo van and a seven-seat MPV, before a pick-up variant and an autonomous taxi arrive later down the line. Read more about the Stellantis-backed Chinese car firm Leapmotor unwrapped this compact crossover at the 2024 Paris motor show, but we're still awaiting battery and power figures. It should borrow from the larger Leapmotor C10 but come in even cheaper, at under £30,000. Read more about the London taxi maker LEVC has unveiled an eight-seat MPV with an interior inspired by luxury airline travel. It will come with a 268bhp electric motor plus a maximum battery size of 120kWh, so you can ferry people around for up to 432 miles. Read more about the MG's commercial sibling brand is following its huge Mifa 9 with a smaller MPV to rival the Volkswagen ID Buzz LWB. Seemingly styled after a laptop, it has seven seats and a 255-mile range.. Read more about The next-generation CLA has officially been unveiled as Europe's longest range electric car. It's set to be the most efficient EV too, with a claimed 492-mile range and an efficiency figure north of 5.0mpkWh. Read more about the new AMG's patented axial-flux motors were supposed to be confined to the company's more expensive models. But the hot version of the CLA will get them too. Which means this super slippery efficiency-oriented EV will get 500bhp+ and an active aero package with an air brake. Everything we know about the MG surprised us all when it announced a 2+2 coupé version of its recently launched Cyberster roadster. It's likely to carry the same battery and motors as the standard Cyberster but will feel more like an MG B than an MG F. Read our The arrival of the ES5 would suggest the existing ZS EV isn't long for this world. It's based on the platform of the smaller MG 4 hatchback, which will contain what is claimed to be the world's thinnest EV battery. Read more about the Sunderland is getting ready for production of the Mk3 Nissan Leaf, which has transformed from hatchback to crossover. It's likely to use similar underpinnings to the Renault Scenic, which has 60kWh and 87kWh batteries for up to 379 miles of range. Read more about the The reborn Micra supermini will take the underpinnings of the much-celebrated new Renault 5. The design and engineering work will be completed in the UK and we've been told to expect a 'sporty urban' car. Read more about the new Nio's affordable EV brand, Onvo, will launch in Europe with the L60, an electric coupé-SUV that's claimed to be the most aerodynamically efficient EV on the market. It will offer a choice of proven BYD batteries, but range figures haven't yet been published. Read more about the Onvo L60 Electric power comes to Peugeot's stylish coupé-SUV. A 59.2kWh battery supplies power to a 207bhp motor and produces a range of 281 miles. Prices have already been announced, starting at £42,175 for the basic Allure model and rising to £44,945 for the GT. Read more about the Swedish brand Polestar's biggest car drops a motor to gain extra range for a lower price. The 3 is based on the same platform as the Volvo EX90, so it should offer similar range and performance. Read our The Porsche Taycan won't be sleeping easy with the 5 on its tail. That's if its charging statistics are anything to go by. Polestar says the saloon's new tech means it can gain 100 miles' worth of charge in just five minutes while avoiding battery degradation. Read more about the The Range Rover Electric might be the year's most anticipated EV, with superb off-road ability and class-leading comfort expected. Technical details are still under wraps, but we've been told it should offer performance comparable to the V8-engined Range Rover. Read more about the This crossover sibling of the Renault 5 uses a 118bhp front-mounted motor and a 40kWh battery for 190 miles of range in entry-level form, or buyers can opt for a 148bhp motor and a 52kWh battery for 250 miles of range. Read more about the new The second EV to join Skoda's model range comes in the form of a well-rounded SUV with a £31,500 price tag. It should prove to be decent value for money, with 360 miles of range, charging speeds of 145kW and a well-rounded drive. Read our A sleek styling update means the Enyaq should remain competitive in the world of long-range electric SUVs. Its new face includes updated LED headlights, while aerodynamic improvements have bolstered its range by a single mile, from 358 to 359. Read more about the new The follow-up to Chinese EV maker Skywell's BE11 crossover, the Q hatchback claims a range of more than 300 miles. Power is punchy, at 201bhp, with a claimed 0-62mph sprint time of 3.9sec. Read more about the This Chinese limousine will look to upset the Mercedes-Benz EQS with sumptuous luxury. Aside from a roof-mounted TV, we don't know all that much about its technological side. It is, however, claimed to produce 617bhp in dual-motor form. Read more about the We can't get enough of rugged electric SUVs, and the #5 ticks all the right boxes. Far larger than the #1 and #3, it's similar in size to the Peugeot 5008. It packs 637bhp in dual-motor form, while the biggest battery can hold a whopping 100kWh of energy. Read more about the The first electric Suzuki will go head-to-head with the recently launched Mini Aceman. We're expecting a range of around 250 miles from the eVitara's larger (61kWh) battery, while charging speeds of up to 150kW have already been confirmed. Read more about the This should finally be the year that Tesla's long-anticipated entry-level model – believed to be a hatchback – will arrive, supposedly costing less than £25,000. Read more about the The Model Y's new look aims to keep it at the top of the pile as one of the world's best selling cars, with sleeker aerodynamics and improved material quality. Rear passengers now get a touchscreen, and there's a slight performance boost for the all-wheel-drive model. Read our This compact crossover will be built as part of Toyota's joint venture with Chinese brand GAC. It will sit below the bZ4X and be sold alongside a fastback version, named the bZ3C. Range is pegged at 373 miles. Read more about the Toyota's electric SUV is set to get a smaller battery and a new face. The new 57.7kWh battery will be available alongside the 73.1kWh pack and will be exclusively paired with a single, front-mounted, 165bhp motor. Range will increase from 318 to 356 miles. Everything we know about the Vauxhall's new compact crossover offers a practical interior and a headline-grabbing price. While the electric version's range is on the meagre side, at 188 miles, its boot is a Nissan Qashqai-esque 460 litres. Read our Volvo's first electric saloon will act as the premium brand's flagship, sharing much of its underpinnings with the tech-rich new EX90 SUV. It will undercut the SUV significantly, with prices starting from around £70,000. Its slippery shape should give it a range in excess of 400 miles. Read more about the Volvo's smallest EV gets a rugged design overhaul including front and rear skidplates, while its ride height increases by 19mm. Beneath the metal, it gets softened suspension and all-wheel drive. It'll be everything a 'weekend explorer' will need, Volvo says. Read more about the ]]>
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Stephen Colbert goes to town on Trump and Musk's Tesla ad
With Tesla stocks plunging, owners rushing to sell their vehicles, and protests against Elon Musk's car company growing, it's been a bad time for Tesla and its Trump-supporting CEO. And on Tuesday, The Late Show host Stephen Colbert used his monologue to break it all down. "Here's the thing. This downturn didn't just start yesterday, because Tesla stock has plummeted 50 percent since December," said Colbert. "And there's a good reason for that. It's a phenomenon economists call 'Everyone Fucking Hates This Guy.'" On Monday, Trump hit his own social media platform Truth Social to defend "Elon's 'baby'" and claim that people were trying to "illegally and collusively boycott Tesla." "How do you illegally boycott something?" said Colbert on The Late Show. "Buying things is optional. That's why when you walk into a West Elm they don't lock the door and say, 'You want out? Then buy a fat candle with three wicks in it.'" But the latest publicity stunt on Tuesday saw the U.S. president and Musk running a Tesla ad at the White House at which the president bought a $90,000 Tesla Model S Plaid — a model Trump marvelled over because "everything is computer." "Of course all of this was to shore up Elon's fading brand and Trump almost got the name right," said Colbert, before showing a clip of the president declaring, "I love Teslerr."
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
In Less Than a Year, You'll Regret Not Having Bought These 6 Used Cars
Everyone has one or two things they regret not doing, but losing out on a money-saving deal might be at the top of the list for most of us. This can apply to all kinds of purchases, though most notably cars. Be Aware: Read Next: 4 Low-Risk Ways To Build Your Savings in 2025 Each year, new models and makes hit the market, enticing consumers to get the most bang for their buck. However, the used car market is also thriving with discounts and markdowns, all of which should be taken advantage of promptly. Are you in the used car market? If not, maybe you should after checking out the best used American cars you'll regret not buying by this time next year. Here, GOBankingRates lists some of the best buys this year in the used car market. Starting MSRP: $49,995 The electric truck market was nothing before the F-150 Lightning came along. Its efficiency hits up to 320 miles in range, its power can reach 580 hp in the extended-range version and tow almost 10,000 lbs. Combine that with this year's federal tax credit and save nearly $7,500. The smart financial move would be to purchase an F-150 Lightning in the next few months because after that, tax incentives will likely go down and demand could increase, meaning the price will go up. Trending Now: Starting MSRP: $106,440 The Tesla Model S Plaid is another cutting-edge electric vehicle that comes equipped with a tri-motor under the hood that can kick up to 1,000 horsepower and reach 0-60 mph in under 2 seconds. That's power and then some. If you are a gearhead and tech connoisseur, you'll love the cinematic display and automatically downloaded software updates, not to mention the full self-driving capability. Considered a benchmark in the EV landscape for performance and advanced tech, not buying one now means you could pay more in the future for a Tesla Model S Plaid. Starting MSRP: $58,590 The electric revolution continues with the first non-gas powered SUV from Cadillac. For those worried about getting stuck on the road, fear not. The Cadillac Lyriq comes decked out with fast-charge capabilities that can get you up to 312 miles of range. That means it's great for long road trips or just driving around town for errands. Cadillac debuted the Lyriq as a representation of the brand's future, highlighting a transition to an all-electric lineup, with more on the way. By purchasing this vehicle in 2024, you could benefit from not only potential appreciation, but also getting in on the ground floor of a new wave of electric SUVs. Starting MSRP: $65,895 According to Car and Driver, the Chevrolet Corvette C8 has 'supercar performance, an affordable price tag, and flashy styling' that 'honors the nameplate's decades-old status as an automotive icon–but with a mid-engine twist.' That twist comes in the form of 495 horsepower that can get 0-60 mph in under 3 seconds. Throw in an infotainment system with the latest technology-including a digital driver display, and performance tracker — for a classic car built for the modern road. Not buying a C8 in 2024 could mean regretting not having one of the best performance vehicles at a reasonable price on the used car market. Starting MSRP: $92,495 The 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer is an SUV loaded with luxury. That said, it doesn't skimp on the driving experience, powered by V8 engines backed up by off-road capabilities Jeep is known for. A full suite of features for driver's assistance is just the beginning of the high-class ride. Put it into the mix with the latest tech like the McIntosh audio system and a 12-inch touch screen and you've got a Jeep like no other. The Grand Wagoneer is one of the most technologically advanced American SUVs on the market that you will want parked in your garage. Starting MSRP: $59,565 If you are a fan of muscle cars, the Mustang Dark Horse is the next step up. Featuring a 500 hp 5.0L V8 and track-focused upgrades, the Dark Horse is a classic ride powered by unparalleled performance. It's one of the last non-electric Mustangs out there, with only a few produced to be sold at the market. You might want to own a slice of American muscle car history before it is too late. More From GOBankingRates 4 Unusual Ways To Make Extra Money That Actually Work How Middle-Class Earners Are Quietly Becoming Millionaires -- and How You Can, Too This article originally appeared on In Less Than a Year, You'll Regret Not Having Bought These 6 Used Cars
