Latest news with #sports car
Motor 1
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Alpine's Electric Sports Car Will Have 'A Lot' Of Power
Alpine just released its first electric vehicle, the A390 SUV. But that's merely one of many EVs that the French automaker has planned over the next few years. Alpine will release a new electric sports car to succeed the A110, and the company promises it will be plenty powerful. In an interview with Auto Express , CEO Philippe Krief and Renault Group head Luca de Meo revealed more details about the upcoming electric sports car. The duo noted that it has a targeted weight of around 3,200 pounds (1,450 kilograms) and is expected to have a range of approximately 350 miles on the WLTP cycle. Alpine A110 E-Ternity EV Concept Most importantly, this new sports car will be powerful. When asked how much power the new EV sports car could produce, Krief responded with: "A lot! There will be enough power, I can guarantee." The outgoing A110 produces up to 296 horsepower at its most powerful, but we expect the EV to be even punchier still. Alpine touts two configurations: Dual- and tri-motor setups, with the dual-motor configuration sending power exclusively to the rear wheels, and the tri-motor setup offering all-wheel drive. The sports car will be the first vehicle in the lineup to use the automaker's 800-volt Alpine Performance Platform (APP), which debuts at the Paris Motor Show next year. The APP architecture will go on to underpin "three or four models," de Meo notes, with electric motors mounted in the wheels themselves. The wheel-mounted motors, de Meo says, will help lower the car's center of gravity, and give the car mid-engine proportions. As mentioned, Alpine is aiming for a curb weight of around 3,200 pounds for its electric sports car—or just about as much as a gas Porsche Cayman. That will be slightly heavier than the A110, which tips the scales at just around 2,400 pounds, but relatively light for a BEV. We don't know when Alpine plans to debut its new electric sports car, but if we're lucky, we could see the coupe as early as next year alongside the brand's new APP architecture in Paris. As for whether or not this new sports car will come to the US—we're holding out hope. The Latest From Alpine Alpine Wants to Take on Ferrari With a 1,000-HP Hybrid Hypercar Alpine's First Electric Sports Car Has Mid-Engine Proportions 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: Auto Express Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Auto Express
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
New Porsche 718 Boxster EV will be a mid-engined (sort of)
Porsche has confirmed that its upcoming fully electric successor to the 718 Boxster and Cayman sports cars will utilise a unique stacked mid-mounted battery architecture, enabling the firm to replicate the effect of a low-slung two-seater, while also maximising range and minimising weight. Speaking to Auto Express, Porsche's head of safety systems, Dr. Simon Maurer, said: 'It's well known that we're making an electric sports car and for that, an underfloor battery will be impossible – not only for the centre of gravity, but also for dimensions.' With this in mind, the electric 718, which will be offered in coupé Cayman and soft-top Boxster guises, will instead adopt the same mid-mounted stacked battery arrangement as in 2021's Mission R concept. This will give Porsche's EV sports car a similar weight distribution to that of a traditional ICE sports model, and allow for a much lower driving position than is the case in the Taycan. Advertisement - Article continues below Porsche is not the first to experiment with unique battery configurations; the Maserati Gran Turismo Folgore, for example, arranges its cells in a 'T' shape to enable driver and passenger to sit either side, which is a concept also expected to be mirrored by the upcoming electric Mazda MX-5. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Nevertheless, Porsche says the 718's battery will be 'smaller than that of the Macan or Taycan' in order to keep weight to a minimum. Otmar Bitsche, the Stuttgart-based firm's expert on EV powertrains, described how the system will instead focus on high energy density, with 'the relative power capability of [the] sports car's cell [being] higher relative to that of the Macan's – maybe about in the same range as the Taycan'. This being the case, we could expect a battery similar in capacity to the Mission R's 82kWh unit, but much smaller in terms of dimensions than the under-floor pack in the Macan. Porsche tells us that it's aiming for an official range figure of over 300 miles, and that all of its future EVs, for the foreseeable future, will be powered by 800-volt technology, enabling lightning-fast charging. And that's not all, as vice president of energy systems, Heiko Mayer, told Auto Express that another focus for Porsche with its first electric sports car is to improve battery longevity. Porsche already estimates its battery systems are good for 15 years and up to 300,000km (186,000 miles). Mayer said: 'Our customers don't just tend to have a [sports car] product for one or two years… they have it for seven, eight or even nine years.' Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below The boffins at Porsche say that a longer lifespan than a traditional EV battery should be expected from the new 718, despite a higher operating temperature to increase performance and the expectation that customers will drive their cars hard frequently. Not that you'll need to rag the electric 718 too much to get up to speed, as it's expected to come in both single and dual-motor forms, with even the base model likely improving on the petrol model's 4.5-second 0-62mph time. However, we don't quite expect the production car to match the Mission R, nor the subsequent Cayman GT4 ePerformance's titanic 1,073bhp output. In terms of appearance, the next-generation 718 will essentially look like a modernised version of the current car, taking into account elements found in the Taycan and most recent Porsche 911, such as the quad-dot headlights and straked front bumper (which potentially could have active aero elements) respectively. As is customary nowadays, the electric Cayman and Boxster will get a full-width light bar at the rear which, like on the new Macan, could be offered with a fully illuminated 'PORSCHE' script. Of course, there'll be no exhaust pipe sitting below, with the optional Porsche Sport Sound generator providing the only audible driving accompaniment. Inside, the electric 718 is certain to be a revolution in terms of design and tech compared with the ageing petrol model. Just like the Taycan, Macan and 911, the 718 EV will get a fully digital instrument cluster, as well as a widescreen centre display. As is always the case with Porsche models, there will be plenty of scope for customers to specify their car exactly to their liking, with a range of exterior and interior colour choices. We expect the new electric Porsche 718 to be revealed in the latter stages of this year, going on sale at the beginning of 2026. Pricing is, of course, up in the air at this stage, but a starting figure of around £75,000 for an entry-level Cayman seems likely, with the convertible Boxster inevitably costing slightly more. Now read our list of the best sports cars ... Find a car with the experts It's only a matter of time before Jaguar Land Rover builds a factory in the USA It's only a matter of time before Jaguar Land Rover builds a factory in the USA Mike Rutherford thinks Jaguar's 'Reimagine' strategy will result in the company exploring further opportunities in the USA Labour hints at major luxury car tax U-turn to boost EV sales Labour hints at major luxury car tax U-turn to boost EV sales Is pressure from retailers and car makers finally cutting through with ministers? Car Deal of the Day: Ford Explorer gives you practicality, style and EV power for £228 a month Car Deal of the Day: Ford Explorer gives you practicality, style and EV power for £228 a month Family-friendly SUV is arguably Ford's best electric car, and great value, too. It's our Deal of the Day for 24 May
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Tesla rival unveils concept car with powerful features and an affordable price tag: 'Puts their competitors on their heels'
Chinese automaker BYD unveiled its boldest concept yet at this year's Shanghai auto show. As CleanTechnica reported, the Denza Z is a fully electric sports car designed to give the Tesla Roadster and Porsche 911 a run for their money. Making this news even better is the vehicle's $40,000 price tag. With its supercar looks, modern tech, and accessible price point, it appears to be ready to shake up the performance vehicle segment in many parts of the world. The Denza Z's features include a tri-motor e3 powertrain, an AI-powered steer-by-wire system, and magnetorheological dampers. The combination of these structures enables the vehicle to respond to road conditions in milliseconds. Aside from the coupe version, a convertible version is in the planning stage. Like other electric vehicles, the Denza Z provides practical benefits that drivers can enjoy every time they take it out for a ride. It requires zero oil changes, which provides significant maintenance savings. It also runs quieter than gas-powered alternatives, emits no tailpipe pollution, and offers notable fuel savings. These benefits highlight why choosing an electric vehicle is more practical than ever. Despite concerns around battery production and mining, data supports the long-term environmental benefits of EVs. A Reuters analysis noted that in the United States, a Tesla Model 3 needs to be driven around 13,500 miles before it offsets its manufacturing emissions and becomes cleaner than a Toyota Corolla. The world extracts roughly 30 million tons of minerals per year for more affordable clean energy, which is a fraction of the 16.5 billion tons of dirty energy sources extracted and burned annually. Unlike coal, gas, and oil, those minerals are reusable and recyclable, creating a much smaller footprint. The shift to low-carbon energy may increase mineral demand, but it remains a much more sustainable alternative to the ongoing extraction of dirty energy sources. Technologies including carbon nanotube battery improvements also continue to reduce waste across EV models. As for the Denza Z, its launch date hasn't been confirmed. But its blend of performance, design, and price signals a shift. As Tu Le, founder of Sino Auto Insights, told CNN, BYD "puts their competitors on their heels." While it's true BYD doesn't yet have an extensive track record and thus it's important to wait for crash and safety testing results as well as other car expert reviews before getting too carried away, with advances such as this one, the future of high-performance driving looks cleaner and more affordable than ever. If you were going to purchase an EV, which of these factors would be most important to you? Cost Battery range Power and speed The way it looks Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Auto Express
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Used BMW 8 Series (Mk1, 2018-date) buyer's guide: a GT with a hint of sports car
The BMW 8 Series is unusual in that it's part grand tourer and part sports car, although it's more of the former than the latter. Some of the rivals we've suggested are more sporty, while others have more of an emphasis on luxury. But the BMW offers a good balance of both worlds because it's an excellent long-distance cruiser at the same time as being fun and engaging. Practicality is also very good if you view the 8 Series as a two-seater (Gran Coupé aside), so if you're in a position to buy one we can't think of a good reason not to. Apart from maybe a six-cylinder 4 Series… Advertisement - Article continues below There was a time when every mainstream car make had a coupé or two in its range, but in recent years coupés have fallen out of favour, and there are far fewer convertibles than there used to be. But BMW has persisted with these cars that put style ahead of outright practicality, and one of its best is the 8 Series, which is as rare as it is desirable. The two-door 8 Series coupé arrived in December 2018 in 840d (315bhp 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel), or M850i (522bhp twin-turbo petrol 4.4 V8) forms. In May 2019, a convertible appeared with the same powertrains; a month later came the four-door 8 Series Gran Coupé in 840d and M850i forms, or there was a 335bhp 3.0 six-cylinder 840i. The M8 Competition arrived in December 2019 with a 616bhp twin-turbo V8. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below View 8 Series View 8 Series View 8 Series View 8 Series A facelift in January 2022 brought a tweaked exterior design including an illuminated grille plus an improved infotainment set-up. The 840d model was also dropped from the range. In truth, the six-cylinder models offer all the performance and refinement you could need. The V8s give extra bragging rights, but you'll pay more to buy and run one, without getting any extra usable performance. Advertisement - Article continues below The standard kit includes 20-inch alloy wheels, dynamic ambient cabin lighting, Merino leather trim, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, heated front seats, adaptive LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, a rear camera and electric adjustment on the front seat. The 8 Series is a big car (every version is around five metres long), but it's fast and surprisingly agile, albeit best suited to long, high-speed motorway drives. The eight-speed automatic transmission that's standard across the range works brilliantly, while the steering offers decent feedback; a choice of driving modes adjusts the throttle response, suspension stiffness and steering weight, so it's easy to find a setting that suits, whatever the occasion. Even the four-wheel-drive models feel like they're rear-wheel drive, while the M850i comes with standard four-wheel steering for even greater agility. The closest rival is the Mercedes S-Class, which also came in coupé and convertible forms, with V8 or V12 engines. Fast, composed, fabulously built, hi-tech and with a glorious interior, the Mercedes is a tough adversary. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below The Porsche 911 is superb to drive and the Jaguar F-Type is also highly desirable, just like the Aston Martin V8 Vantage. If you want something really special, the Bentley Continental GT and GTC might suit, while the Lexus LC coupé and cabriolet look fabulous, but they're very rare. Drive on Advertisement - Article continues below All variants of the 8 Series, apart from the 840i, come with xDrive four-wheel drive as standard. The 840i has rear-wheel drive. Tyring stuff Six-cylinder models came with run-flat tyres as standard, but the V8s were fitted with conventional rubber and a can of sealant, with the option of run-flats. Peace of mind There's a three-year warranty with no mileage limit. All connected services (map updates, concierge, traffic, music) are supported only for the first three years. Common problems The 8 Series is too unusual for any significant fault patterns to be established from a trawl of owner forums. The key thing is to keep the software up to date so that the infotainment and associated functions all work as they should. Naturally, the BMW's cabin is filled with high-quality materials, and as you'd only expect, the overall design is superb. The controls, 12.3-inch digital instrument display and 10.25-inch touchscreen are all easy to understand, while there's plenty of adjustment for the seating position, although you sit low, so visibility is compromised. Rear-seat head and legroom in the two-door models are poor, but much better in the Gran Coupé, while all models have a decent amount of oddments space. The coupé's boot capacity is also nice and big, with 420 litres available; the Gran Coupé has 440 litres, but the convertible's load area is pegged at just 350 litres. The market isn't awash with 8 Series, but there are enough to go round. Convertibles account for one in six two-door cars and diesels for one in five. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Check the price of a BMW 8 Series with our free car valuation tool... BMW'S Condition-Based Servicing allows up to two years or 16,000 miles between services, and because only the parts that need to be replaced are renewed, service prices aren't fixed. An oil and filter change costs £410; replace the air filter and spark plugs too and the bill is £735. Fresh brake fluid every two years costs £147, but there are no cambelts to replace. Insurance will be costly, with 41 being the lowest group (for some 840ds), but most models are at least group 45; all V8s are group 50. Road tax costs £195 per year, plus the £425 expensive car supplement for the first five years, while the most economical model, the 840d, is claimed to average 44mpg. The 840i is pegged at 33mpg and the M850i at 26mpg, but expect less in the real world. BMW has issued five recalls for the 8 Series in total. The first was in July 2019 because of fuel pumps leaking on cars made in March and April 2019. Faulty seatbelt buckles led to recall two, in April 2020; it affected cars made in February and March 2020. Braking system glitches were behind the third recall, in February 2021 and involved cars made between February and November 2020. Faulty brake discs led to recall four, in March 2021; the latest campaign came in August 2022, due to engine bay fires in cars made up to September 2020. The 8 Series has never appeared in our Driver Power surveys, but there are always a few BMW models in there. Our latest poll included the 3 Series Mk7 (18th), 5 Series Mk7 (22nd), 1 Series Mk3 (25th), and X3 Mk3 (36th), which is par for the course; BMW rarely does spectacularly well, but a solid performance is typical. In our Brands survey, BMW came 14th out of 32, ahead of Mercedes (25th) and Audi (27th). Did you know you can sell your car with Auto Express? Get the highest bid from our network of over 5,500 dealers and we'll do the rest. Click here to try Auto Express Sell My Car now... View 8 Series View 8 Series View 8 Series View 8 Series View 8 Series View 8 Series EV affordability alarm! Running costs are £6k higher than for petrol cars, say car clubs EV affordability alarm! Running costs are £6k higher than for petrol cars, say car clubs Running costs for car share club EVs are £6k higher than ICE equivalents according to new data Not bothered by MoT advisories? That may be about to change Not bothered by MoT advisories? That may be about to change The number of MoT failures caused by worn tyres is on the rise, and experts are calling for mandatory follow-ups on advisories Mazda MX-5 goes electric: the iconic roadster's radical future Mazda MX-5 goes electric: the iconic roadster's radical future The next Mazda MX-5 roadster is set to be offered as a pure EV, and our exclusive images preview how it could look
