Jaguar has officially ended production of the F-Type sports car, marking the end of an era for the iconic model. The final example produced, a V8 Convertible, will join the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust and be part of the official Jaguar Heritage collection. This notable piece of Jaguar history is finished in Giola Green, featuring a black roof and a Tan Windsor leather interior, echoing the configuration of the last E-Type built 50 years ago.
Heritage and Legacy
The F-Type’s inclusion in the heritage collection is significant, as it honours Jaguar’s long-standing tradition of creating celebrated sports cars. This final F-Type will be showcased at various special events throughout the year, allowing enthusiasts and the public to appreciate its place in the brand’s storied legacy.
The Porsche 718, encompassing both the Boxster and Cayman models, has long been a staple in the automaker’s lineup, offering a more affordable yet highly capable sports car experience. However, it has been clear for years regarding its future, and it seems the transition to an all-electric 718 is imminent. According to recent reports, the current generation of the 718 (the 982) will cease production in October 2025, marking the end of its run as an internal combustion engine (ICE) car.
This information comes from Twitter user Zerin Dube, who shared an image purportedly from Porsche’s dealer portal. The screen capture indicates a bulletin sent to Porsche dealers, highlighting updated product and sales information, including the projected discontinuation date for the current 718 model. This aligns with the expected timeline for the launch of its electric successor, anticipated to arrive in 2025 or 2026.
A Look Back at the 718’s Legacy
The Porsche 718 model line dates back to 1996 with the debut of the Boxster, named in homage to the lightweight 1957 race car. The introduction of the Cayman, the hardtop variant of the Boxster, followed and together, these models have not only matched their market segment but often punched above their weight. Many enthusiasts believe the 718 could have rivalled the 911 in terms of performance if not for the internal brand politics that ensured the 911 remained Porsche’s flagship sports car.
The Shift to Electric
The decision to end the ICE era for the 718 comes amidst evolving automotive regulations and a global shift towards electric vehicles (EVs). Notably, the 718 has already been pulled from the market in Europe due to a new EU cybersecurity law, underscoring the increasing regulatory challenges for traditional combustion engines.
The forthcoming electric 718 aims to retain the core driving dynamics that Porsche enthusiasts cherish. Unlike some EVs that prioritise extreme horsepower and long range, the electric 718 will focus on maintaining a lightweight structure to ensure superior handling and performance. This approach aligns with Porsche’s commitment to preserving the driving experience, even as it transitions to electric powertrains.
Future Prospects
The shift to an electric powertrain might offer the 718 an opportunity to step out of the 911’s shadow. The electric 718 could potentially unlock new levels of performance and innovation, allowing Porsche to explore the true potential of this model without the constraints of internal combustion engines. Additionally, the introduction of a hybrid 911 alongside the electric 718 suggests a broader strategy to modernise Porsche’s sports car lineup while maintaining their storied legacy.
In conclusion, while the end of the ICE 718 marks the closing of a significant chapter in Porsche’s history, it also heralds the beginning of a new era. The transition to electric power offers exciting possibilities for the 718, promising to deliver the performance and driving pleasure that Porsche is renowned for, in a more sustainable and future-ready package.
The highly anticipated production version of the Smart #5 has been officially revealed. Initially showcased as a concept at the Beijing Auto Show in April, the SUV’s key specifications have now been disclosed as it moves towards securing a sales license in China.
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has published the filing for the Smart #5, revealing four colour options and four distinct powertrain variants.
Dimensions and Design
According to the MIIT filing, the Smart #5 measures 4,705mm in length, 1,920mm in width, and 1,705mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,900mm. This makes it 265mm longer than the #3 coupe-SUV, currently the largest model in Smart’s lineup.
The production version features a lower ground clearance compared to the concept car, trading its all-terrain tyres for a more conventional setup. It also omits features such as the roof rack, suicide doors, and fender-mounted screens for the suspension. However, it retains the striking LED headlights and taillights, flush door handles, and most of the original bodywork. The bumpers have been slightly modified, with an oversized skid plate incorporating the lower intake at the front.
Powertrain Options
The fully electric SUV will offer four powertrain configurations:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Variants:
335hp from a single rear-mounted electric motor.
358hp from a single rear-mounted electric motor. Both configurations draw energy from a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Variants:
221hp front-mounted electric motor paired with:
358hp rear-mounted electric motor.
416hp rear-mounted electric motor. Combined, the AWD configurations deliver up to 637hp using nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) batteries, indicating significant performance capabilities.
Battery and Performance
The Smart #5 concept used an 800-Volt architecture sourced from parent company Geely, featuring a battery pack with over 100 kWh capacity. This setup allows for rapid recharging from 10-80% in just 15 minutes and offers a WLTP range exceeding 549km. Similar figures are expected for the production version, particularly for the flagship trim.
Launch and Availability
Smart, a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, has confirmed that the production-ready Smart #5 will debut in the second half of 2024. As the brand’s first fully electric SUV, the Smart #5 represents a significant step forward in electric mobility, combining impressive performance, advanced technology, and sleek design.
Alfa Romeo has announced the pricing and specifications for its first fully electric vehicle, the Junior. Combining sporty design, compact size, and Italian flair, the Junior will start at £33,895 (RM203,368) OTR for the base model, the Junior Elettrica.
Powertrain and Performance
The Junior is Alfa Romeo’s debut into the fully electric market, featuring two powertrain options. The base model comes with a 156hp motor, providing a range of up to 402km (WLTP). For those seeking a sportier experience, the Junior Veloce offers a 240hp motor with a range of up to 346 (WLTP). Both versions are equipped with Alfa Romeo’s signature sporting DNA, ensuring dynamic performance and excellent road holding. Charging is efficient, with a 10-80% charge achievable in under 30 minutes using a 100kW rapid charger.
BMW has unveiled an upgraded version of its 2 Series Coupé, combining sportiness, controllable dynamics, and advanced digital features. This two-door model, which follows in the footsteps of the iconic BMW 02 Series from the 1960s, is now even more attractive with detailed design modifications, extended standard equipment, and consistent digitalisation.
Performance and Engine Options
The new BMW 2 Series Coupé lineup is led by the BMW M240i xDrive Coupé, powered by a 3.0-litre straight six-cylinder engine that produces 374hp. This engine, combined with intelligent all-wheel drive, allows the M240i xDrive to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.3 seconds.
In addition to the inline six-cylinder engine, the 2 Series Coupé offers three four-cylinder petrol engines and a 2.0-litre diesel engine. The entry-level BMW 218i Coupé features a 156hp petrol engine, achieving 0 to 100km/h in 8.7 seconds. The BMW 220i Coupé with 184hp accelerates in 7.5 seconds, while the BMW 230i Coupé with 245hp does so in 5.9 seconds. The BMW 220d Coupé’s diesel engine, enhanced with 48-volt mild hybrid technology, generates 190hp and reaches 100km/h in 6.9 seconds.
All engines come paired with an 8-speed Steptronic transmission, with the Sport transmission version available for the M240i xDrive, 230i, 220i, and 220d Coupés. This version, featuring enhanced shift dynamics and steering wheel-mounted shift paddles, is optional for the BMW 218i Coupé.
Design and Exterior Features
The new BMW 2 Series Coupé exhibits a distinctive front end with individual round headlamps, a horizontal BMW radiator grille, and a power dome on the long bonnet. The side view features athletically modelled surfaces, wide wheel arches, and a short luggage compartment lid ending in a striking air scoop. The M Sport Package, now standard, includes large air intakes, powerful side skirts, and a striking rear apron with vertical reflectors and a diffuser-like insert.
The BMW M240i xDrive Coupé boasts its own M-specific design features, optimising cooling air supply and aerodynamic balance. These include high-gloss black inserts for the side air intakes, a black spoiler lip on the front apron, a model-specific rear spoiler, and trapezoidal tailpipes. All models now come standard with M high-gloss Shadow Line, enhancing the car’s dynamic appearance.
The available paint finishes for the new 2 Series Coupé include two solid colours, seven metallic colours, and two BMW Individual paint finishes – Frozen Pure Grey metallic and Frozen Portimao Blue metallic. Fire Red metallic and Skyscraper Grey metallic are now available for the two-door model, while Zandvoort Blue solid paint is exclusive to the BMW M240i xDrive Coupé.
Interior and Technology
The interior of the new BMW 2 Series Coupé offers a premium ambiance for an intense four-seater driving experience. The high centre console, blended instrument panel, and door panels create an enveloping feeling of space, further enhanced by the anthracite-coloured headlining included in the M Sport Package.
Digitalisation is a key focus, with the BMW Curved Display playing a central role in the vehicle’s operation. This fully digital display system comprises a 12.3-inch Information Display and a 14.9-inch Control Display, running on the BMW Operating System 8.5. This system supports the latest BMW iDrive with QuickSelect, allowing for intuitive operation via touch or voice command through the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.
Standard ambient lighting includes new waterfall lighting integrated into the central air vents, with adjustable color and brightness settings. The system also features atmospheric welcome and goodbye animations, including a carpet of light in the entrance area and light signals for incoming calls and open doors.
Enhanced Standard Equipment
Beyond the M Sport Package contents, the new BMW 2 Series Coupé includes a wide range of additional standard features to enhance driving pleasure. These include heated front seats, an exterior mirror package, and an alarm system. The BMW M240i xDrive Coupé also comes with sun protection glazing as standard.
With these updates, the new BMW 2 Series Coupé reaffirms its position as a unique and compelling choice in the compact segment, offering a blend of performance, design, and cutting-edge technology.
BMW has unveiled the latest updates for its high-performance M2, showcasing significant power enhancements, striking design updates, and innovative new features.
Performance Upgrades
The new BMW M2 now boasts an additional 20hp, bringing the high-revving six-cylinder in-line petrol engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology to an impressive 480hp. The peak torque remains at 550Nm, but this figure rises to 600Nm with the standard eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. Enhanced accelerator mapping and response in all drive modes enable more rapid reactions. Consequently, the 0 to 100km/h acceleration time is now just 4.0 seconds with the standard transmission and 4.2 seconds with the optional six-speed manual gearbox.
Design Enhancements
M-specific design features geared towards optimising cooling and aerodynamic balance accentuate the car’s aggressive stance. A large horizontal BMW kidney grille and a three-section split lower air intake optimise cooling for the powertrain components and brakes. Model-specific LED headlights positioned towards the outer edges of the front end, featuring single circular units for both low and high beams, pay homage to the classic BMW 02 models. Available options include Adaptive LED Headlights with BMW Selective Beam and M lights Shadowline with dark inlays.
The new BMW M2 is fitted as standard with M light-alloy wheels in a double-spoke design with a Jet Black finish, measuring 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear. A new addition to the options list includes M light-alloy wheels in a Silver finish, which can be combined with track tyres if the optional M Race Track package is specified.
Interior and Technology
The most important interface between the driver and car, the steering wheel, has been newly designed, bringing a fresh look to the interior. The standard-fitted M leather steering wheel now has a flat-bottomed rim, a red center marker, gearshift paddles, and the two M buttons for selecting individually configured vehicle setups, all contributing to an intense racing car feel. An M Alcantara steering wheel with an optional heating function is also available.
Optional M Sport seats in Vernasca leather now come in a red/black bi-colour variant. Additionally, weight-minimized M Carbon bucket seats, previously only available with the M Race Track package, can now be ordered separately.
The cockpit features a fully digital screen grouping, made up of a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display, running on the latest BMW Operating System 8.5. The functions of the climate control system are now operated digitally, accessible via touch using a special menu option in the lower area of the control display or by voice command through the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.
Exterior Paint Options
Customers can order their new BMW M2 in a choice of three solid colours, five metallic shades, and six BMW Individual paint finishes. The expanded range includes the new Sao Paulo Yellow solid, Fire Red metallic, Portimao Blue metallic, and Skyscraper Grey metallic variants. Additionally, the selection of BMW Individual paint finishes for the new BMW M2 now also features Java Green, Voodoo Blue, Grigio Telesto, and Twilight Purple.
BMW’s latest updates ensure the new M2 not only delivers superior performance but also stands out with its bold design and advanced features, reaffirming its position as a leader in the high-performance compact segment.
A few months after the introduction of the new Mini Cooper 3 Door, the five-door version has been added to the lineup. The Mini Cooper 5 Door promises the brand’s trademark driving enjoyment, additional space, and unique functionality, combining traditional and modern styling with innovative assistance systems.
With dimensions of 4,036mm in length, 1,744mm in width, and 1,464mm in height, the new model maintains a compact footprint while maximising interior space for five passengers. The wheelbase is 72mm longer, and the body is 172mm longer than the 3-door variant, enhancing comfort and space for occupants. The design features short overhangs, clear surfaces, and distinctive accents, giving the car its characteristic Mini charm.
Apple has announced significant updates to its CarPlay system, slated for release later this year. The latest iteration will offer automotive manufacturers the opportunity to seamlessly integrate vehicle functionalities into Apple’s software, promising a more immersive and brand-consistent experience.
During the recent World Wide Developer’s Conference (WWDC) 2024, Apple elaborated on the design and features of the next-generation CarPlay. The updated system will allow vehicle interior designers to craft custom graphics, logos, and instrument cluster layouts that align with their brand’s identity.
Key enhancements include a host of new applications aimed at expanding vehicle control capabilities within the CarPlay ecosystem. Drivers will now be able to adjust settings such as drive modes and assistance features directly from a dedicated app in CarPlay. The familiar home screen will also be upgraded to include climate control buttons and temperature shortcuts.
Electric vehicle owners will benefit from pop-up notifications providing charge status and remaining charge times. The updated CarPlay will also support integration with rear-facing cameras and other park assist features.
Although an exact release date has not been confirmed, Apple emphasised that the new CarPlay will render content from both iPhones and the vehicle itself, ensuring a seamless display of information across multiple driver screens in modern cars.
The level of vehicle data integrated into CarPlay will vary based on the information automakers are willing to share with Apple. Therefore, the user experience will differ depending on the vehicle brand. Aston Martin and Porsche have already showcased previews of the enhanced CarPlay in their upcoming models, suggesting these brands may be among the first to feature the new system.
Nissan Motor is working towards significantly reducing the cost of electric vehicles (EVs) by developing a new motor magnet made from inexpensive materials. This initiative is a part of their strategy to make EV manufacturing costs comparable to petrol vehicles by fiscal year 2030, ending March 2031. Achieving this goal would require a 30% reduction in EV production costs.
The recently developed magnet utilises a samarium-iron rare-earth alloy. Unlike traditional EV motors, which use neodymium magnets enhanced with dysprosium and terbium for heat resistance, Nissan’s magnet eliminates the need for these rare and supply-risk-prone materials. Neodymium and dysprosium primarily come from China, which has previously restricted rare-earth exports to Japan, highlighting a significant supply-chain risk.
In a recent statement, Tesla CEO Elon Musk declared that the electric vehicle giant would not introduce a refreshed Model Y in 2024, postponing a potential growth catalyst until the following year at the earliest.
Responding to inquiries on his social platform X regarding rumours of an updated Model Y set for release in July, Musk firmly stated, “No Model Y ‘refresh’ is coming out this year.”
Musk emphasised Tesla’s commitment to continual improvement, noting, “I should note that Tesla continuously improves its cars, so even a car that is 6 months newer will be a little better.”
