Latest news with #hot hatch
Auto Express
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Volkswagen Golf GTI to live on, and it'll be electric
It's official: the first fully electric Volkswagen Golf GTI is under development. This is undoubtedly a crucial moment for this iconic hot hatchback and, in order to keep the scepticism of some fans at bay, VW CEO Thomas Schäfer has promised that the new EV will 'be a monster car'. Advertisement - Article continues below We're yet to hear the exact date when the new GTI is expected to arrive, but in the meantime, we do know that VW will continue to update the current Golf until at least 2030. Conceptual work on the new model is already well underway, though, and while VW is remaining pretty tight-lipped about the details, Schäfer has told Auto Express that he's 'very happy with the progress', adding: 'It's cool. You can make it exciting. It has to be exciting, it has to be authentic. It has to be a [true] GTI.' Confidence certainly seems high at this early stage, and it needs to be because this is by far one of the most important and beloved cars to wear a Volkswagen badge. Keep reading to find out everything we know about the new Volkswagen Golf GTI so far. We know that the new GTI will be front-wheel drive, despite its closest electric sibling – the ID.3 GTX – having a 322bhp motor driving the rear wheels. That's around 60bhp more than today's 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol GTI, but it's possible that the e-GTI will match its stepchange in power, because of an electric motor's ability to precisely control the torque at each wheel. The first electric Golf R – also being planned, according to Schäfer – will have the capacity to come with another power leap, with drive being applied to all four wheels. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Schäfer said the ID.2 GTI – already shown in concept form – will set the benchmark for the new hot Golf. 'We'll bring through a whole group of GTI, starting with the ID.2 GTI, which is the first one coming electrically,' he explained. 'When we started this journey, [we told] the development teams 'we've got to be proud of the GTI of the future', and the team's taking that on.' The CEO has already hot-lapped the upcoming GTI, which is expected to hit the market in 2026. 'We've driven a few prototypes on the new set-up, and it's mind-blowing. What about the sound? What about the total feel, the handling and so on? It can be done,' Schäfer said. However, he wouldn't be drawn on whether the GTI would emulate the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N with its simulated gearshifts and soundtrack, along with a drift mode – electronic playthings that would be better suited to the more hardcore nature of the electric Golf R. Digital work on the new Golf package is shaping up, before the car moves into the physical prototype stage. 'We know what the vehicle looks like and [we can] sit virtually in the vehicle,' said Schäfer. 'The dimensions of the platform and the vehicle are clear, although it's not [fine-tuned] to the last design detail. We have many steps to get through.' Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below As our exclusive images show, we expect the next-generation Golf GTI to follow the usual design approach of evolution rather than revolution. Approachability and familiarity are two aspects that have maintained the Golf's appeal to UK buyers over a number of decades, and these qualities could prove essential as the brand tries to woo more customers into making the transition to an EV. The SSP underpinnings will also be a game-changer for the Volkswagen Group. Electric cars from Skoda and VW all the way up to Lamborghini and Bentley will tap into the hardware and software modules it introduces, but iterations will be broken down according to vehicle size and cost. 'It's going to be really scalable,' the boss told Auto Express on the fringe of the FT's Future of the Car summit. 'We have certain sizes according to the vehicle, but still the same modules of the key components that can be used across [SSP], so you have the maximum scaling effect, also in purchasing power.' And what's Thomas Schäfer's favourite GTI of all time? 'I think the first one is the most exciting, because it came out of nowhere and was a total game-changer.' That first Golf GTI made 108bhp from its 1.6-litre, naturally aspirated, four-cylinder engine. That'll be a world apart from the first all-electric, 300bhp-plus Golf GTI arriving some 54 years later – but hopefully its core DNA will be very much intact. View Golf View Golf View Golf Would you buy an electric Golf GTI? Share your thoughts in the comments section... 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The Sun
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
World's largest car maker confirms it WILL build hot hatch in UK and invest £40million in a new assembly line
THE world's biggest car maker has confirmed it will build a popular hot hatch in the UK from next year as demand soars. Toyota says it will manufacture the GR Corolla from Burnaston, Derbyshire in a bid to ramp up production. 3 3 3 It follows reports that the car maker was planning to invest around £41 million into the new line. Toyota has denied that the move is related to Trump's tariffs, which place a 25% import tax on cars from Japan compared to just 10% from the UK. The announcement has further fulled speculation that the popular model, which is currently only available in specific markets, could soon be launched in Europe. The GR Corolla is currently only available in Japan - and is exported to North America and certain other markets. Prototypes were spotted being tested at Germany 's Nürburgring last year, leading to speculation of a launch according to Autocar. However, a spokesperson suggested it was standard to test global products there - but did not deny the prospect of a European launch. Toyota currently sells the GR Yaris and the GR Supra in Europe. Yoshihiro Nakata, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe, said: "We are proud that TMUK, our first plant in Europe, has also been selected as the first overseas Toyota plant to produce GR vehicles, securing this expansion project for TGR worldwide. "We very much appreciate the historical support and recognition of the United Kingdom and would like to continue to contribute to UK society as a 'Best in Town' company." The Burnaston plant currently produces Toyota's Corolla hatchback and estate for British and European markets. Popular car brand to launch new EV as company teases 'hammerhead' design to rival the Volvo EC40 But the proposed new investment could see production rates significantly boosted. Previous Reuters reports suggest that it could give the plant a capacity of 10,000 cars per year. The reports add that Toyota's Motomachi plant in Japan, which handles GR output, is currently at full capacity. Burnaston built its five millionth car since opening in 1992 last year. Toyota invested a staggering £240million to upgrade the Burnaston plant back in 2017. Then Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark said at the time: 'Our automotive sector is one of the most productive in the world and Toyota's decision to invest £240 million upgrading its Burnaston plant is a further boost to the UK auto sector. "I also welcome the prospect of investment to take Toyota New Global Architecture into the supply chain. "Toyota is one of the world's largest car producers and this inward investment underlines the company's faith in its employees and will help ensure the plant is well positioned for future Toyota models to be made in the UK. "As we prepare to leave the EU, this Government is committed through our Industrial Strategy to ensuring the UK remains one of the best places in the world to do business and we are able to help businesses seize on economic opportunities.'
Motor 1
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
The Ford Focus ST Reaches the End of the Line
Ford announced earlier this year that it was ending Focus production in Europe this November. That includes the coveted Focus ST, one of the last hot hatchbacks sold with a manual transmission, but your opportunity to order one is dwindling. Ford has filled the order books for ST production in the United Kingdom. Ford UK told Autocar , "There are no new factory orders available for the Focus ST at the moment." That comment suggests the automaker could reopen the order books before production officially wraps six months from now, but there's no way to prevent the inevitable. The Focus and the Focus ST are dead by the end of the year, and the company has no direct successor ready to take its place. The inability to order a new Focus ST in the UK won't prevent you from buying one. The automaker also told the publication that there were around 170 STs unsold in the dealer network. Motor1 reached out to Ford to see if the Focus ST is still available to order elsewhere in Europe. We'll update this story if we hear back. Ford has been killing off its sedans and hatches for the last few years. Mondeo production, which was the Fusion in the US, ended in 2022, two years after Ford pulled the model from American showrooms. The Fiesta died in 2023, and now it's the Focus's time to exit the brand's portfolio, including the fun and enjoyable Focus ST. Here's More Ford News: Here's the 2026 Ford F-150 Lobo Totally Undisguised A Supercharged V-8 Ranger Raptor R Exists, But Not From Ford Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Gallery: 2024 Ford Focus ST Edition 32 Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Toyota confirms reports it will shift production of its in-demand hot hatch from Japan to Derbyshire next year
Confirming reports earlier in the week, Japanese car giant Toyota has today announced it will shift production of one of its in-demand hot hatchbacks to the UK next year. Manufacturing of some GR Corolla cars will move from its native Japan to the Burnaston plant in Derbyshire in 2026, where the hybrid Corolla family hatchback is already produced. However, despite plans to soon build the car in Britain, the GR Corolla isn't sold in the UK. In fact, the aim is to increase Toyota's supply of these motors to North America where there's intense demand for the 300hp sports car - which costs $43,995 (approx £32,500). It will also mean the company can reap the benefit of the more favourable trade deal agreed between the US and UK, with Japanese imports levied with steeper 25 per cent tariffs. It will be the first time a GR-branded Toyota - which stands for Gazoo Racing, the competition arm of the company that overseas its World Rally Championship and World Endurance Championship assaults that also tweaks its range of performance cars - will be made outside Japan. While unconfirmed, it is reported that Toyota will spend over £41million setting up the dedicated assembly line for the US-bound hot hatchbacks. Toyota said on Friday that its GR Corolla has been 'met with high levels of customer enthusiasm and demand' in North America, which has 'outstripped supply, leading to today's announcement of an expansion of vehicle production'. It added that the choice reflects Toyota's efforts to 'optimise its global production footprint to produce and deliver vehicles to customers as swiftly as possible'. Toyota also has European vehicle production hubs in France, Turkey, Poland, the Czech Republic, Portugal, and Russia. However, it said the decision to choose Burnaston is recognition of the 'capability of TMUK [Toyota Manufacturing UK], its staff and its supply chain, and the deep motorsport culture and skill base within the United Kingdom'. Bosses say preparations for this move have been in place since last year. The move allows the company to reap the benefit of the more favourable trade deal agreed between the US and UK, with Japanese imports levied with the higher 25% tariffs Toyota also has European vehicle production hubs in France, Turkey, Poland, the Czech Republic, Portugal, and Russia. However, it said the decision to choose Burnaston is recognition of the 'capability of TMUK [Toyota Manufacturing UK], its staff and its supply chain, and the deep motorsport culture and skill base within the United Kingdom' Yoshihiro Nakata, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe, commented: 'We are proud that TMUK, our first plant in Europe, has also been selected as the first overseas Toyota plant to produce GR vehicles, securing this expansion project for TGR worldwide. 'We very much appreciate the historical support and recognition of the United Kingdom and would like to continue to contribute to UK society as a 'Best in Town' company.' Expected to start by mid-2026, production is expected to reach 10,000 units annually. In 2024, Burnaston produced 98,055 vehicles - a combination of Toyota Corollas and the Suzuki Swace, its Japanese partner's version built on the same platform. The GR Corolla assembly line will help to cover some of the 20 per cent decline in annual UK outputs, with Toyota making 122,193 passenger cars at the plant in 2023. The news will be a small boost to Britain's automotive sector. On Thursday, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders confirmed that vehicle production in the UK had fallen to a 72-year low in April resulting from a huge decline in demand from key export markets as tariff fears weighed heavy. Experts believe that Toyota's move is a sign of Britain's attractiveness to firms deciding where to set up factories. A trade deal with the US to reduce tariffs from 25 per cent to 10 per cent was rubberstamped earlier this month. This now means the UK is 'well-placed to act as a bridge between the US and EU,' said Alex Altmann from business advisers Lubbock Fine, adding that Brexit allowed the UK to 'tailor its regulatory framework to better suit domestic industries'. In 2024, Burnaston produced 98,055 vehicles - a combination of Toyota Corollas and the Suzuki Swace, its Japanese partner's version built on the same platform Burnaston began operations in 1992 and already produces the normal hatchback and hybrid estate Corolla for UK and European markets. Despite suffering a decline in manufacturing since Brexit, its advanced production technology and Corolla expertise make it a natural choice, one of the people said. Engineers will be temporarily dispatched from Japan to share production technology and other expertise as well. The 'GR factory' Motomachi plant in Japan assembled 25,000 cars last year, around a third of which are Corollas, but is reportedly at full capacity. The shift to UK GR Corolla production also lends credence to the theory that the GR Corolla could launch in Europe soon. Currently it is only offered in a number of enthusiast markets including the US and Japan, but prototypes were spotted testing at the Nürburgring last year. Currently UK hot hatch fans have the GR Yaris, but demand is so high that Toyota uses a ballot system.
Motor 1
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Bugatti's Boss Owns and Drives a Volkswagen Golf R32
Mate Rimac made a name for himself by developing some of the most exciting EVs out there. However, his rise to success began with a humble BMW E30 and a blown engine. Well before the Concept_One and the Nevera that followed, a 1983 3 Series was converted for electric duty and nicknamed the 'Green Monster.' With 600 horsepower on tap, it claimed the title of the quickest-accelerating EV back in 2011. Over the years, he's purchased several cars bearing the roundel, including an M5 E39 and an M3 E30 Sport Evolution. The Croatian entrepreneur has also been spotted driving everything from a Z4 M Coupe to an F90 M5 Competition. He even owned an M3 CSL E46 and a V-10-powered M6 E64, so it's safe to say he has a soft spot for BMWs. However, there's one car in his garage with a different badge: a Volkswagen . And not just any VW. The 37-year-old CEO of Bugatti Rimac owns and drives a Golf R32 MkV in the five-door body style, equipped with a six-speed DSG and a key fob not too different from the Veyron's. Back in the day, VW also offered the VR-6-powered car with a six-speed manual gearbox and a three-door configuration. While he loves the car as it is, he believes a restomod, focused on upgrading interior quality and adding connectivity tech, would turn it into an 'amazing' hot hatch. Not that we needed any more convincing, but Mate Rimac is an enthusiast through and through. He persuaded the Volkswagen Group not to turn the Bugatti Chiron's successor into an electric SUV. The story goes that VW had planned to launch a high-riding EV, but when Rimac was asked to take over, he green-lit another hypercar instead. The result was the Tourbillon , featuring a naturally aspirated 8.3-liter V-16. Sure, it's a hybrid, but one that's a tad more exciting than a Prius. Mate Rimac strikes us as the kind of CEO who would've green-lit the Golf GTI W12-650 concept, also based on the Mk5, for production. Yes, VW once shoehorned a 641-hp twelve-cylinder engine from a Bentley Continental GT into a Golf, mounting it behind the seats. The fifth-gen Golf also spawned a 500-hp, V-10 running prototype that never came to be. He's not the only enthusiast in the business. Christian von Koenigsegg said he'd put the last tank of fuel in the Miata he bought when he was 19. Ivan Espinosa, Nissan's new boss, drives his Z to work every day. It's CEOs like these who give us hope that fun cars won't disappear under the weight of SUVs, electrification, and relentless cost-cutting. New Volkswagen Golf R32 18 Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: Mate Rimac / Instagram Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
