Author: Jack Evans

The French car manufacturer Peugeot has attempted to solve commuters’ so-called ‘last mile’ issues by introducing an all-electric folding bicycle capable of integrating into the boot of its 5008 SUV.

The bike is fitted with a battery and a motor capable of powering it for between 18 and 25 miles, at speeds of up to 12.5mph.

It can easily be stowed away in the boot space of Peugeot’s new 5008, allowing those commuting into congested urban areas to cycle the last mile or so of their journey – therefore avoiding any potential parking problems.

Gilles Vidal, Director of Peugeot Design, said: “Peugeot is the only brand that offers two- wheel, three-wheel and four-wheel mobility solutions which are manually powered, electrically assisted, hybrid, fully electric or equipped with an internal combustion engine.

“Thanks to this enormous flexibility in our range, we can offer a mobility solution for every requirement. Together, the 5008 SUV and eF01 electric bike combine two modes of transport to create a complete door-to-door solution, no matter what your destination might be.”

The EF01 can be recharged in just an hour, and also features its own mobile charging dock giving riders a more flexible way of topping up the bike’s battery. It can be folded or unfolded in just 10 seconds.

Porsche is celebrating 70 years of its sports cars this year, and to honour that landmark achievement it has created this – the 911 Speedster. Let’s take a look at the key aspects of this striking new car.

History

There’s a reason why this concept looks a little bit retro in places. It’s been designed to pay tribute to the very first Porsche 356 “No.1” Roadster, which gained its operating permit back in June of 1948.

Design

The rear cover of the car is created from carbon-fibre, and covers a roll-over protection structure. It’s been shaped into a ‘double bubble’ design, which is a design cue we first saw on the 1988 911 Speedster.

There’s no convertible top, rather just a lightweight tonneau top that can protect the car from the rain when it’s parked up. It also gets a 50s-style central fuel tank cap positioned in the centre of the car’s bonnet. The headlights have intricate x-designs overlaid on top of them, in a nod to the process of taping up original race car headlamps so as to avoid them shattering.

Interior

If you’re after creature comforts in your drop-top Porsche, you may have to look elsewhere. To aid lightness, the Speedster Concept lacks satellite navigation, air-conditioning or even a radio. However, the cabin has been finished in high-quality ‘Cognac’ leather – so it’s not all bare-bones here.

Chassis

The Speedster utilises the chassis found in the current 911 GT3, and the whole car sits on classic-looking Fuchs design 21-inch alloy wheels.

Powetrain

The Speedster uses a flat-six engine with close to 500bhp, similar to that found in the current GT3. Here, it sends power to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, and Porsche say that it is capable of revving up to 9,000rpm.

The exhaust system has also been heavily developed, with engineers adding titanium tailpipes for a sporty engine note.

Production

There are chances that the Speedster will enter production, though Porsche isn’t confirming this yet.

What is it?

Aston Martin, responding to an increase in rival offerings has taken its DB11, boosted the output of that car’s V12 engine and produced this – the DB11 AMR. Power has been increased, handling sharpened and exhaust tuned to produce a car which is more in line with other grand tourers on the market.

Aston Martin has been keen to impress the fact that the DB11 AMR remains a true cross-country cruiser at heart, with new upgrades simply giving it better handling in the corners without diminishing the car’s comfort levels. Has it succeeded? Let’s find out.

What’s new?

There’s quite an extensive list of upgrades which have been made to the AMR over the regular DB11. The most significant is that power upgrade, now 30bhp more than the older car’s 600bhp. The standard DB11 was never lacking punch, but Aston Martin has responded to other, more powerful cars from rival manufacturers (we’re looking at you, Bentley) and thrown some extra horsepower into the AMR for good measure. Torque, however, remains the same at 700Nm.

Aston Martin has also re-calibrated the eight-speed automatic transmission for faster shifts, while the chassis has also been re-worked to provide better cornering ability without reducing the car’s excellent comfort levels.

What’s under the bonnet?

Underneath the DB11 AMR’s long, flowing bonnet sits Aston’s glorious twin-turbocharged 5.2-litre V12 engine. It’s a masterpiece of engineering, and is a reminder of just how good these large-capacity units can be in a world where downsizing seems to be reigning supreme. It can power the AMR to 60mph in 3.5 seconds, before pushing it to a top speed of 208mph. It’s a huge amount of performance, and endows this DB11 with a frankly ridiculous turn of pace – particularly for a car of this size.

Of course, economy isn’t going to be a V12’s strong suit. Aston claims that it’ll return 24.8mpg on the combined cycle, while emissions are relatively high at 265g/km when tested under the new NEDC cycle.

What’s it like to drive?

One of main complaints for the old DB11 was it felt just a little too supple in the bends, and lacked the poise that we wanted from an Aston Martin. However, this criticism has been firmly rectified. The range of tweaks to the chassis now make the DB11 genuinely capable in the corners, with body roll expertly managed and the well-weighted steering adding to the overall experience.

Then there’s the sheer performance of the thing. Press the throttle and there’s an almost undetectable pause while the turbos get going. From there, power is available in spades. The first three gears are practically unusable without threatening your licence, while the whole thing is accompanied by the now-enhanced howl of a V12 – one of the best sounds in the business.

How does it look?

The regular DB11 was always an elegant thing to look at, and the AMR builds upon this. There a few distinct touches which help distinguish it from the regular car, such as dark headlight surrounds, smoked tail lamps and a gloss black roof. They’re subtle touches, we’ll admit, but they certainly do add to the car’s overall look in a positive way.

If subtlety isn’t your thing, then Aston is offering the AMR in three versions of ‘Designer Specification’, as well as a limited-edition model which features a ‘Stirling Green’ and lime livery. It’s certainly not one for shrinking violets, but if it is up your street, be quick – it’s limited to just 100 units worldwide.

What’s it like inside?

The AMR’s interior feels exceptionally well made, with a variety of high-quality materials contributing to a cabin which is just what you’d except from a prestige GT car. The seats are supportive yet comfortable, while the leather and Alcantara sports steering wheel feels excellent in the hands, both in terms of feel and shape. The wheel is a component sometimes overlooked by manufacturers, but Aston has got it spot-on here.

The central layout of the car remains unchanged over the DB11, and as such stays just a little cluttered for our liking. The Mercedes-sourced infotainment screen isn’t too bad but lacks the sharpness or definition that we’ve come to expect, while the general button layout could do with simplifying. Though user-friendly enough, the overall feel of the central dashboard section is just a little behind the times.

What’s the spec like?

Prices for the DB11 AMR start at £174,995, and first deliveries are expected in the coming weeks. Though that is an impressively large price tag, you’re getting an awful lot of engineering and prestige for the money. That V12 is worth the cost on its own, offering up one of the very best soundtracks around, as well as colossal amount of performance.

New Aston Martin DB11 AMR. This grey looks really good on it pic.twitter.com/mtTnnax5Ms

— Jack Evans (@jackrober) May 15, 2018

Prices for the regular DB11 start at around £160,000 and, while we can’t fault that car for the way it drives, we’d struggle to see why you wouldn’t just opt for this AMR version given its relative closeness in price. It’s a more capable car, and the way it drives is reason enough to pick it.

Verdict

The DB11 always felt so close to the complete package – and thanks to the tweaks added to the AMR, it now is. The way this car steers, along with the way it can transform from savage performance car one minute to luxurious grand tourer the next, is downright remarkable. Aston has said that the AMR is now the fastest model in its current series production range and, going off this test, it’s easily one of the best, too.

Facts at a glance
Model as tested: Aston Martin DB11 AMR
Price: £174,995
Engine: 5.2-litre V12
Power (bhp): 630
Torque (Nm): 700
Max speed (mph): 208
0-60mph: 3.5
MPG (combined): 24.8
Emissions (g/km): 256

Arriving on a huge wave of expectation comes this, the all-new Ford Fiesta ST. Its predecessor was arguably one of the best-handling hot-hatches of all time, and a variety of enhancements have been included to ensure this latest version delivers the same experience.

Quite a lot is going on under the skin of the Fiesta ST – which is why we’ve looked at the key features you need to know about.

Engine

The Ford Fiesta ST now uses a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine – down one cylinder from the older car. However, power is still plentiful at 197bhp and 290Nm of torque, meaning drivers shouldn’t be wanting for pace out on the open road.

An optional limited-slip differential can be added to make the ST even more capable in the corners.

Performance

Thanks to quite a lot of power in a compact package, the Fiesta ST can deliver impressive performance figures. Ford claims a 0-60mph time of 6.2 seconds, and a top speed of 144mph – both decent results for what is still a relatively ‘everyday’ hatch.

Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox – there’s no automatic option available.

Launch control

A new launch control system should mean that drama-free standing starts can be achieved each and every time.

This is available as a part of the optional Performance Pack, which includes a variety of mechanical enhancements for the keen driver.

Driving modes

As with many hot hatches on sale today, the Fiesta ST comes with three different driving modes. In this case, Normal, Sport and Track are used to tailor the car’s settings. Each mode changes the aggressiveness of the traction control, and increases the raucousness of the exhaust via an active valve.

Yeah, it sounds pretty good too #FiestaST pic.twitter.com/AGGAdXW35g

— Jack Evans (@jackrober) May 10, 2018

As you progress through the modes, the car is made even sharper, louder and track-focused. Throttle response is sharpened, and the more weight is added to the power steering.

Interior touches

All Fiesta ST models benefit from a variety of sporty interior touches as standard. Recaro bucket seats are included on even base cars, as is a flat-bottomed steering wheel.

Ford’s latest SYNC 3 infotainment system is standard on all cars too, accessed via either a 6.5- or eight-inch screen depending on vehicle specification.

Price

Prices for the Fiesta ST start at £18,995. At this price, the car comes in base ST-1 trim which includes standard features such as sport suspension, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and cruise control.

Two other specifications are available – ST-2 and ST-3. These increase on the standard equipment of the base cars, with prices starting at £19,995 and £22,145 respectively.

What is it?

Here it is – the all-new Ford Fiesta ST. Following on from a model which set the hot-hatch segment alight, this latest version is designed to be more grown up but just as exciting to drive as that iconic original. Based on the updated Fiesta, the ST needs to do a lot to live up to the reputation set by its forebear, while fending off competition from some serious rivals. We hit Nice’s country roads to find out if it this latest ST can regain its place at the top of the hot-hatch pecking order.

What’s new?

There’s a lot going on here to make this latest Fiesta ST as competitive as possible, yet easy to live with on a daily basis. From the outside, you’d do well to distinguish this performance model from the more mundane yet sportily-styled X-Line version. The main things to look out for are the redesigned bumpers and larger alloy wheels.

In short, it manages just what the old car did – to appear special enough, but not go overboard into the big wings and flared arches territory. Some may think that’s a shame; we think it’s well judged and makes the ST more appealing to a wider audience.

What’s under the bonnet?

The new Fiesta ST has dropped a cylinder compared to the older car, with a 1.5-litre three-banger now under the bonnet rather than a 1.6-litre four-cylinder. Economy is the name of the game, after all, and a smaller capacity engine is designed to deliver better efficiency. However, performance seekers need not despair, for the new ST still packs a pretty decent punch. The compact engine produces 197bhp and a healthy 290Nm of torque, allowing for a 0-60mph sprint time of 6.2 seconds. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox – there’s no automatic, paddle-controlled version here.

Despite this, Ford claims that the ST will return up to 55mpg on the combined cycle, and emit just 114g/km CO2 – not bad at all for a car with this level of performance.

What’s it like to drive?

The new ST had the tricky task of living up to the reputation set by its predecessor but it has more than achieved this goal.

Though the new ST has lost a cylinder over the older car, you really don’t feel like you’re lacking in engine excitement. It revs with a keenness you don’t expect from a unit this small, and feels properly engaging at all times. The engineered exhaust pops do feel a little like overkill on occasions, but they certainly add to the drama.

The three separate driving modes do genuinely change the attitude of the car, with the steering weighting up considerably as you progress through the different settings. It takes a little getting used to, but it’s well-judged and feels more than matched to the car’s performance.

Exciting day today. Whole lot of expectation pic.twitter.com/nf17hDpmCM

— Jack Evans (@jackrober) May 10, 2018

How does it look?

The Fiesta ST is rather similar in appearance to its more conventional stablemates. Yes, there are some sportier touches to be found here and there, but overall it looks quite close to any current-generation Fiesta. However, that’s no bad thing – the regular car is sharply styled and looks fresh, so the ST is just a follow-on from this – albeit in a slightly sportier direction.

The dual-pipe exhaust at the rear does signal somewhat towards the car’s intent, while small ST badges placed in the front grille and on the boot do help to distinguish the car from the rest of the range. It’s certainly not an outrageously-styled car, but it’s just special enough to appeal to most people.

What’s it like inside?

The interior of the new ST features just enough sporty touches too, without overcooking it and making it over the top. The Recaro bucket seats are hugely supportive and have a decent level of adjustment to them. The flat-bottomed, multifunction steering wheel is just chunky enough, too.

The majority of plastics are of a good quality, and the main dashboard section looks leagues ahead of the car it replaces – this is largely down to the reduction in buttons. We might like there to be a little more emphasis put on the driving modes button (it’s mounted quite lower down and doesn’t look too different to the rest of the controls), but this really is just a minor niggle.

What’s the spec like?

Our test car came in top-spec ST-3 trim line, and this gets all the bells and whistles that you could possibly want. In this trim, you get 18-inch alloy wheels as standard, along with leather-trimmed Recaro sports seats that are heated in this instance, and you also get the all-important red brake callipers.

It’s crucial to mention that the Performance Pack can be added to ST-2 and ST-3 trim levels for £850. This adds the Quaife limited-slip differential, which is ideal for those after a slightly sharper-turn in, and more out-of-corner traction. It’s a reasonably-priced option which really does add to the capability of the car.

The Fiesta ST is also available in either three- or five-door layouts, giving customers a more practical option should the more compact version not quite fit the bill.

Yeah, it sounds pretty good too #FiestaST pic.twitter.com/AGGAdXW35g

— Jack Evans (@jackrober) May 10, 2018

Verdict

The new Fiesta ST has more than lived up to the expectations people had of it. Though it’s considerably different to the car it replaces, Ford has managed to recapture the spirit of the older model, making it just as exciting and involving to drive as the old ST. We’ll have to wait to test it out on UK soil to see how it gets on with our roads, but for the now the leading impression of this latest hot Fiesta is a wholeheartedly positive one – this is one triumphant comeback.

Facts at a glance

Model as tested: Ford Fiesta ST
Price: £18,995
Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder
Power (bhp): 197
Torque (Nm): 290
Max speed (mph): 144
0-60mph: 6.2 seconds
MPG (combined): 55
Emissions (g/km): 114

 

The British summer is just about here — the sun is coming out for its one week of the year, and now might just be the time to capitalise on that by nabbing yourself a drop-top car.

Better still, you don’t need to spend a packet in order to get that wind-in-your-hair experience, which is why we’ve picked out some of the best convertibles that you can get your hands on for under £2,000.

MG TF

This end of the market is rife with well-priced and decently specced MG TF’s. Most come with a peppy 1.8-litre engine under the bonnet, and all have a folding cloth roof. It’s still a relatively handsome looking car even now, and looks to have aged well.

We’ve found a number for well under our £2,000 budget with only (albeit tired looking) example coming in at under £500. We wouldn’t advise going for something this low priced, though if its history checks out and the car looks straight enough, then there’s no reason why it couldn’t be a decent low-cost runner.

Citroen C3 Pluriel

Okay, just bear with us on this one. The C3 Pluriel was somewhat of an oddball; designed to be five cars in one, it wasn’t hugely successful. However, this does mean that you can pick up some pretty tidy examples on the used market and though they may not have a sports car design, you still get that drop-top experience at a very low price.

Most cars get alloy wheels and air conditioning, but make sure that the folding roof is functioning correctly – this is a crucial area to check.

Mercedes SLK

We’ve stepped up a notch now. Yes, we’ll admit that buying a used Mercedes (particularly in this price bracket) can be a little bit of a minefield thanks to higher repair costs and pricier parts, but choose carefully and you can find yourself a steal.

The SLK is a case in point. You’ll likely be looking at an early 2000s model, but expect to get boatloads of equipment for the money, including electronically-adjustable seats and cruise control. However, decent servicing history is essential here – a poor maintenance record could prove costly in the future.

Toyota MR2

The little MR2 isn’t a bad idea if you’re after no-frills but involving motoring. Powered by a 1.8-litre engine it’s got plenty enough performance to excite, and its compact size makes it feel perfectly nimble out on the road.

There is a drawback, however. The MR2 lacks any real boot, so it’s not exactly the last word in practicality. That said, there are a variety of different examples available within this budget, and most are in reasonably good nick.

Mazda MX-5

It’s a bit of a no-brainer, this one. The MX-5, throughout its various incarnations, has proved to be a reliable, cheap-to-repair convertible. With fans all over the world, it’s a go-to choice for those who want a relatively involving drive coupled with compact dimensions.

Rust is an issue, particularly on early models – so keep a sharp eye out for this. However, find a clean model, and it’ll provide many miles of trouble-free motoring.

Mini Convertible

When the ‘new’ Mini first came out, it proved immensely popular – and things haven’t changed much since. When a convertible version was launched, it was snapped up consumers as a result of its cutesy styling and reasonably powerful range of engines.

These can now be picked up for well within our £2,000 budget. Make sure that the interior is straight, and listen out for strange noises from the power steering pump – these can often fail on older cars, and are costly to replace.

Saab 9-3

With Saab now a carmaker of the past, few consider its cars when looking at the used market. However, the 9-3 convertible is a great option for those wanting to go for a comfortable and spacious drop-top.

In addition, there are plenty of spare parts and components, so you should have to worry about replacing anything, despite Saab’s now defunct status.

Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet

Almost matching the Mini in the retro-styling department is this – the Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet. Most cars come comprehensively equipped, with air conditioning and alloy wheels just some of the extras you’ll find fitted to the Bug.

The arrangement of the folding cloth hood drew some criticism – mainly for the way the fabric lies strangely at the rear of the car when collapsed – but this shouldn’t put you off, as the Beetle is a decent and reliable soft-top.

BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46)

There are a lot of examples of 3 Series convertibles to be found at this budget. The most common are E46 models – though this is no bad thing, as they’re sturdy and excellent to drive. A variety of engines are available too, with even the top end straight-six models well in this price bracket.

If you’re planning on purchasing one, double check the arches as these are prone to rust. In addition, turn the steering lock to lock while travelling at low speed and listen out for any troubling knocking noises.

Audi TT Roadster

There aren’t many about in this price range, but the Audi TT Roadster is a fine option. Strong build quality, reliable engines and quirky styling mean that this soft-top still looks and feels fresh today.

Yes, at this price you’ll be looking at a high-mileage example, but providing it’s got a decent service history there’s no reason why these can’t be hassle-free convertibles.

Yes, conventional cars are all well and good, but sometimes rare, limited-edition models just tickle our fancy a little more. Ultra-sought after and therefore a little more special than ‘regular’ models these cars have consistently set the motoring world alight.

These aren’t just high-end cars, either. Some limited-edition cars have appeared at the lower end of the price range – but are still just as memorable as top-price models.

Toyota Yaris GRMN

We’re kicking things off strongly with this – the Toyota Yaris GRMN. Based on the tiny Yaris city car, the GRMN takes things in a sportier direction courtesy of beefed-up brakes, suspension and steering.

The engine is a supercharged 1.8-litre too, and this gives the little GRMN a 0-60mph time of 6.3 seconds. However, this limited-run Yaris isn’t all about power – it’s the way this thing corners which makes it quite so impressive.

Audi R8 RWS

Audi’s sports cars have traditionally utilised four-wheel-drive for the very best traction and power deployment in all manner of conditions. The RWS, however, is different. Rather than going to all corners, the V10 engine sends drive to the rear wheels only – an Audi first.

Thanks to that change, the RWS is lighter and keener to drive – and it’s restricted to just 999 units. It’s a limited-edition car, and one that really broke the mould for Audi.

BMW Z3 M Coupe

The Z3 M Coupe was a limited-edition take on BMW’s two-seater Z3. However, this breadvan-shape sports car stands out against the ‘regular’ Z3 thanks to its iconic styling and powerful engines. It first appeared with the engine from the E36 M3, before being updated with the 3.2-litre from the later E46.

It’s gone down as one of the most memorable BMWs ever made, and is a distinctly rare sight out on UK roads.

Ford Racing Puma

The Ford Racing Puma was an incredibly limited-run car, with just 500 examples produced. Underneath the bonnet is a 1.7-litre petrol with 153bhp, while the flowing bodywork featured wider arches to support larger alloys.

An impressively powerful brake system was fitted too, giving the Racing Puma a lot of stopping power – and the bright blue interior wasn’t bad, either.

BMW M3 CSL (E46)

The BMW M3 is a lightweight, more powerful version of the popular 3-Series. The E46 is easily one of the most iconic incarnations of all time, and the CSL version only builds on this reputation.

The CSL – or Coupe Sport Leichtbau or Coupe Sport Lightweight – was produced in extremely limited numbers, with just 1,400 cars rolling off the production line. It was 110kg lighter than the standard M3, thanks to its use of lightweight materials while redesigned suspension made this one of the best-handling M3s of all time.

Renault Clio Williams

The Renault Clio Williams waded into battle that was raging between hot hatches in the early Nineties, squaring up against rivals such as the Peugeot 205 GTI. Just 390 arrived in the UK, which makes the icon incredibly sought after.

The suspension borrowed components from the Clio Cup racer, and this made it as agile and corner-hungry as can be, while the bulging arches housed wider wheels wearing fatter rubber. It took the hot hatch world by storm, and remains one of the true greats.

Volkswagen Lupo GTI

The GTI moniker is one of the most recognisable in motoring, having adorned some of the all-time hot hatch greats. However, it also appeared on one slightly less-known model – the Lupo GTI. Extremely compact yet packing a 125bhp 1.6-litre engine, the Lupo GTI was, despite its small size, a fully-fledged hot hatch.

It’s now turned into somewhat of a cult classic, with prices rising each and every year. Just under 1,000 examples came to the UK – so get your hands on one while you can.

Ford Focus RS MK1

The first incarnation of the Focus proved immensely popular, offering plenty of practicality as well as a surprisingly involving drive. The RS version built on this by offering supercar-beating performance, but the base car’s decent boot and interior spaciousness.

Some 4,500 examples were produced – so it’s not the most limited car you’ll find on this list – but it’s not one you’ll see on UK roads all that often either. A turbocharged 2.0-litre engine gave the RS a 0-60mph time of 5.9 seconds, along with a top speed of 143mph.

Mercedes-AMG 300CE ‘Hammer’

What a name for a performance car – ‘Hammer’. Mercedes-AMG produced just under 30 of these V8-powered super-saloons back in the late 80s, and it went on to become one of the German manufacturer’s most iconic creations.

With around 350bhp being produced from the car’s 5.5-litre V8, the Hammer could take all four occupants in supreme comfort up to a top speed of 180mph. Incredible now, and other-worldly when it first came out.

Fiat Panda 100HP

The little Fiat Panda is best known as a reliable and nimble city car. The 100HP, however, was a more serious affair. A peppy 1.4-litre engine sent 99bhp to the front wheels, but the 100HP is more about cornering than all-out pace. Lowered suspension over the regular Panda makes this special edition incredibly good in the bends, where maintaining momentum is the name of the game.

These make for an exceptionally good used purchase but be warned – they’re being snapped up.

Ford has filed a patent for a vehicle which features an electric motorcycle integrated into it.

Referred to as a ‘multimodal transportation apparatus’ in the application to the US Patent and Trademark Office, the vehicle sees an electrically-powered motorcycle located between the driver and passenger seats.

According to the application, the ‘centre console serves to support at least one body part of a rider of the motorcycle’. In other terms, the main dashboard section of the car doubles as a handlebar for the motorcycle.

The motorcycle can then be released from the main vehicle, allowing the rider to drive away.

Ford cites that it has developed this technology to combat inner-city traffic. Drivers of these multimodal vehicles can use the car to cover the bulk of their journey, then ride the attached motorcycle when traffic becomes heavy, leaving them to cover ground in less time as a result of being able to ride through congestion.

The application also shows that the motorcycle would be accessed by lifting up the car’s bonnet and releasing the vehicle. Returning it to that position would be aided by ‘guide elements’ situated inside the car.

We’re transforming our North American lineup by 2020, going all-in on hybrids, adding more SUVs and even more standard cutting-edge tech. Learn more about what’s ahead: https://t.co/z9qOri2CZ3

— Ford Motor Company (@Ford) March 15, 2018

The American manufacturer also states that this system could be achieved by fitting the main vehicle with an engine located at the rear of the car, therefore freeing up space at the front.

One idea proposed was that the electric motor fitted to the motorcycle could be used to power the entire vehicle ‘in one operating state’. For instance, in the same way that a hybrid vehicle can run on sole electric power for a set amount of miles, so this car could use the motorcycle’s powertrain to do the same.

Of course, there is no disclosed date as to when this technology could arrive on our roads – but it gives an insight into the potential future of transportation.

Manufacturers love making special editions. Whether it’s to stir up a little bit of buzz around a single car, or simply stand out from the crowd, these weird and wonderful creations showcase what car makers can do when they let their imaginations run wild.

Here, we’ve picked out eight of the wackiest special-editions to ever have been created.

Bentley Bentayga by Mulliner Fly Fishing

The Bentley Bentayga is a decent combination of luxurious craftsmanship and go-anywhere all-wheel-drive capability. However, what if you want to take your Bentayga fly fishing, and want specific storage for rods, reels and flies?

That’s where the Fly Fishing by Mulliner edition Bentyga comes in. Fitted with bespoke rod tubes trimmed in saddle leather and a central storage station, as well as a waterproof wader stowage trunk, it’s a great option for those who want to spend time at the river, but be able to head home in the very highest luxury.

Volkswagen Golf Harlequin

The Volkswagen Golf is one of the best-selling cars of all time, and appears across the globe in a variety of different colours, specifications and bodystyles. The Harlequin, however, was something slightly out of the ordinary.

Created in 1996, the Golf Harlequin was produced for just one year. Just 264 of these colourful cars were produced, and were made as a result of the immense popularity of the smaller Polo Harlequin.

Ssangyong Korando Sports DMZ

The ‘regular’ Korando Sports proved to be somewhat of a success for South Korean-based SsangYong. The pick-up was impressive off-road, and came with a generous amount of standard equipment too.

However, the DMZ edition possessed something particularly special – camouflage paint. It either stood out from or blended into the crowd – whichever you prefer – and gave the Korando Sports a beefy, military edge. It was cleverly named, too.

Bentley Bentayga Falconry

Yes, it’s another Bentayga – but we couldn’t ignore this special edition either. Catering for what can only be a very niche pastime, the Bentayga Falconry by Mulliner features a removable ‘transportation perch’, and features a variety of trim pieces crafted from cork.

A veneer inlaid with a falcon graphic features on the car’s passenger-side trim piece, and is made up of 430 separate pieces which are painstakingly placed together by hand.

Skoda Felicia Fun

You won’t miss a Skoda Felcia Fun in a hurry. A bright yellow exterior was matched by an equally jazzy interior, with yellow accents used on the steering wheel, gearstick and even the main dials.

However, the Felicia Fun had a trick up its sleeve – the rear bulkhead could be extended to reveal two rear seats with a convertible section above, meaning four people could come along for the ride.

Rolls-Royce Wraith ‘Luminary Collection’

Rolls-Royce is certainly one for creating staggeringly impressive – and staggeringly expensive – special editions. This, the Wraith ‘Luminary Collection’, was limited to just 55 examples and uses a specially-developed ‘Sunburst Grey’ exterior paint.

Inside, the main dashboard is fitted with 176 individual LEDs, designed to resemble ‘the trailing light of a shooting star’. Which is nice, if you want stars on your dash.

DS3 Black Lezard

The DS3 is a car built on the ability to customise each and every aspect, and the Black Lezard edition is a more luxurious take on that. For instance, the Lezard design – created to mimic the look of lizard skin – is hand applied to each and every car, taking two hours per vehicle.

The interior of the car is finished in high-quality leather, and gloss black trim is used to help lift the overall look of the cabin.

Range Rover Evoque Special Edition with Victoria Beckham

Back in 2012, Range Rover revealed a special edition version of its Evoque SUV made in partnership with Victoria Beckham. The exterior is hand-finished in matte grey paint, while the alloy wheels feature gloss black paint and rose gold detailing.

Inside, the four seats are finished in high-quality leather with contrasting white ‘baseball’ stitching. Prices at the time were almost impressively high, with the special edition coming in at a weighty £79,995.

Schoolchildren have joined forces with West Midlands Police to help launch a new range of Mercedes-Benz riot vans – with pupils from local schools giving the vehicles a range of names.

Each of the eight new Sprinter vans has been given a name – three of which are Copzilla, Optimus Crime and Zeus.

The special crime-fighting vans have been uniquely kitted out by specialist bodyshop MacNeillie. Based on the 5.0-tonne long-bodied Sprinter, the vehicles can seat up to 10 officers, and come fitted with a secure prisoner cell too.

The vehicle’s glass is reinforced, allowing it to withstand attacks, while run-flat tyres can still be driven on for over 20 miles after a puncture.

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said: “These names are wonderful, and bring a smile to your face. When I heard all the entries I was amazed by the imagination and intelligence of our young people.

“There is a serious side to this too, though. Our new, state-of-the-art riot vans will be put to good use in helping officers to fight crime and arrest criminals.”

Each van has been fitted with uprated axles, which make them better suited to dealing with heavier cargos as a result of the additional equipment inside.

West Midlands Police ran a competition which asked local children to come up with eight names for the new vans. Once finished, officers toured local schools to visit the winning youngsters – whose selected names have been applied to the side of the vehicles.

Sergeant Andrew Edwards observed: “I have been astounded by the creativity and energy shown by the schoolchildren, as well as the support provided by their teachers, who have worked very hard with us to make this a rewarding experience.

“I am also incredibly proud of the police officers and staff who have devoted their own time to this initiative. They have certainly captured the imagination and spirit of the youngest members of the communities we serve.”