Last week’s Goodwood Festival of Speed saw me jump into the passenger seat of McLaren’s new 750s supercar.
Last week’s Festival of Speed saw the world’s motoring-mad population descend on the Goodwood estate near Chichester, West Sussex.
The Festival of Speed is a celebration of all things petrol, diesel and electric, but it’s the supercar paddock which is full of expensive and exotic metal to get the hearts racing for those who love cars. But for me, the adrenaline was even more prominent as I got the chance to be a passenger of the new McLaren 750s up the famous hillclimb.
I’d never been in a McLaren, so the 750S marked my first encounter with the Woking-based brand. But, hopefully, it wouldn’t be my last, though the whole experience is pretty much unforgettable.
When you jump inside, you sit very low and are gripped by the bolstered bucket seats. There is a lot of leather, carbon fibre and Alcantara as well as a touch screen infotainment system that uses Apple CarPlay. Everything is angled towards the driver and the gear selectors are like little toggle switches which give me aeronautical vibes. The front boot was big enough to cater for a couple of bags, including mine, too.
Driving the supercar was McLaren employee and car stunt driver Andre D-Cruz who was very familiar with all of the firm’s products, meaning he wasn’t shy from showing me the 750S’ capabilities on the course.
(McLaren)
As we sat on the start line, the excitement began to sink in, the revs rose to hear that 4.0-litre V8 even more clearly, the crowds began to gather with their phones on record, the flag drops and the wheels spin away. The car’s 0-60 mph time of 2.6 seconds is certainly accurate here. As we approach the first corner very quickly, the car’s poised turn-in as well as lift-off oversteer makes you realise just how quick your reactions have to be to drive this car to its full potential. As we shoot past the Lord March’s Goodwood house, the speed builds up that it becomes unfathomable to think.
(McLaren)
The last narrow corner was done in a flash with you struggling to comprehend passing through it at 80mph, with the final stint accelerating up to the finish line. The whole experience is done within less than one minute, but it’s one minute that will stay with you forever. Even better still, when we reached the end point to drive back down the hill, we encountered possibly the world’s most expensive traffic jam. Ranging from the McLaren P1 to the one-off Ferrari SP-8. A queue worth millions and millions, and a moment where you have to pinch yourself to realise where you are. Meanwhile, a few famous faces including Bruno Senna were among the driver’s taking a lucky passenger up the hill in the flagship Senna hypercar.
My first impression of the McLaren 750s is that it’s a very raw and exciting experience that also has a bit of practicality on its side, which makes it a more usable supercar in the real world and for my first supercar experience – it was certainly a good one.
A Hertfordshire couple came close to losing thousands of pounds after fraudsters tampered with a car they were selling before taking it for a test drive.
Jerry Scagell and Jennie Shaw had advertised their Skoda Octavia Scout online and within hours, they had been contacted by an interested party looking to view it that evening.
Three people arrived – a couple and a child who remained in their car – with the pair quickly asking to see underneath the bonnet.
“The man claimed to be a mechanic,” said Mr Scagell. “He was saying that because he knew this sort of model that the turbos often went.
“They opened the bonnet and had a look inside and asked if they could check the Vehicle Identification Number to make sure it corresponded with the number on the car. So I went into the porch to ask my wife to get the V5 document.”
After this, Mr Scagell drove the vehicle while the interested buyers accompanied him. “He was interested in hearing the turbo, which involved me putting my foot down a few times. We were probably out for 10 to 15 minutes, during which time I put my foot down quite a few times. He was claiming to hear a whine.”
Mr Scagell stated that the Scout – which he and Ms Shaw had owned for over six years – had never had any previous mechanical issues.
It was on their return to the house that the buyers asked to open the bonnet of the car again – revealing an engine bay coated in oil. “There was engine oil all over the engine and the turbo,’’ said Mr Scagell.
‘‘He was saying that the turbo had gone and added that because he was familiar with these cars, he could swap an engine from a car he already had into this one.
“He said, ‘look, I could help you out’ and offered £1,500.’’ Mr Scagell had advertised the Skoda for £8,500, so the move would’ve seen a knock-down of £7,000.
“Eventually they walked away having been insistent that this was a good deal – and it was looking like it, to be honest. But in the cold light of day the next morning, I phoned up a local garage.’’
The garage discovered that it looked as though the fraudsters had removed the caps to both the coolant tank and the engine compartment. This had sent oil and water everywhere, particularly when Mr Scagell had been asked to accelerate. Thankfully, no permanent damage had been caused to the vehicle – though it cost £400 to repair the issues caused.
Mr Scagell continued: “The garage flushed everything through and it was all fine. They also saw some cables had been removed meaning that the car was running on three cylinders.”
Mr Scagell received 36 text messages from the would-be buyer during the following days, during which time they upgraded their offer to £3,500. However, he blocked the number and contacted Auto Trader, with whom he had advertised the car, to report the incident. Details were also passed on to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau – though it couldn’t further pursue the issue.
The PA news agency contacted Auto Trader, with a spokesperson for the company stating: “Crime is a sad fact of life regardless of sector or brand. In this instance, oil in coolant scams are generally a distraction type scam, so it’s advisable to have someone else with you during a viewing and not to leave potential buyers unsupervised.
“We have a dedicated security team that works seven days a week, 365 days a year to monitor for fraudulent and unlawful activity and take appropriate action as required.
“We also collaborate with other classified advertising sites to promote best practice, and in 2006, we established the Vehicle Safe Trading Advisory Group (VSTAG), which brings together law enforcement, Trading Standards, Get Safe Online and other key classified market-places to share the latest advice to help consumers buy and sell vehicles safely.”
A four-door addition to McLaren’s range of sports and supercars could still be in the pipeline, its design boss has stated.
The model has long been rumoured to form part of the Woking-based firm’s plans but has yet to be officially unveiled.
However, chief design officer Tobias Sühlmann – who returned to McLaren last September after a stint in its Special Operations department, where he oversaw the creation of the limited-run Solus – hinted to the PA news agency that the new, more practical model could still be on the cards.
Speaking at the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed, Sühlmann said the model could help to “grow the portfolio in the future, where you have maybe different powertrains or more than just two doors”.
Sühlmann commented: “More than just two seats and maybe more than just two doors. This is something where our team plays a key role because we can really shape the future.”
Sühlmann emphasised the importance of giving each future McLaren model a distinguished look of its own, stating: “Let’s say it’s a family – there’s a family that I can see but each model needs to have a different character.”
He also stated that introducing a four-door vehicle into McLaren’s range wouldn’t dilute the brand’s presence in the market. “We never compromise,” he said, adding: “We are always pushing boundaries in terms of engineering, design, everything. It doesn’t matter what kind of product you will have in the future – we will always have a true McLaren and this is something that will not go away.”
Although no official statement has been made, it’s believed that a four-door McLaren could arrive by the end of the decade to expand the firm’s range, which currently centres on performance cars such as the hybrid Artura and V8-powered 750S.
The Spanish firm’s flagship SUV originally went on sale back in 2019, but now it’s time for the electrified era to take over.
Seat has removed its largest SUV – the Tarraco – from sale to make space for the upcoming Cupra Terramar.
The Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace-rivalling model went on sale back in 2019, however, with a push towards electrification in full swing, the Spanish firm has decided to pull the plug and concentrate on its plug-in and hybrid vehicles.
Here comes our newest hybrid SUV, the #CUPRATerramar – named after the place where our story began – ready to completely shake up one of the most competitive segments in our industry. #CUPRAimpulsepic.twitter.com/itDxnHA0La
The Tarraco will be replaced by the new Cupra Terramar which is due to go on sale later this year as a hybrid SUV.
A Seat spokesperson told the PA news agency: “The Seat Tarraco finished production in the second quarter of 2024. The next model to fill this segment will be the Cupra Terramar. Seat intends to update the Ibiza, Arona, Leon and Ateca to continue offering plug-in hybrid and fuel-efficient cars until the end of the combustion era.”
The Terramar will be Cupra’s final internal combustion car as the firm is set to go electric by 2030. It also plays a key role in expanding the sporty Seat division even further after the success of the Formentor and Born models.
The Terramar will be rivalling cars such as the Volkswagen Tiguan and is expected to start at around £35,000. As well as regular mild-hybrid powertrains, the Terramar will also be available as a plug-in hybrid variant which should be able to do around 62 miles on battery power alone. It’s being positioned as one of three models on the horizon for Cupra, alongside the smaller Tavascan and smaller Urban Rebel.
Indulge in that #vanlife with the best vans for camper conversions and advice on how to do it
With balmy weather on the horizon and the promise of long summer holidays, there is a good chance you may have considered investing in camper van to embark on that dream staycation.
The fact of the matter is, there has been a boom in van ownership over recent years, with Auto Trader revealing that demand for commercial vehicles was up 57% year-on-year during the global pandemic and that demand isn’t waning.
An enforced requirement to stay home fuelled the desire to get out on the open road when restrictions lifted, and many turned to vans and other Light Commercial Vehicles as the method to do so.
You only have to scroll through Instagram and Tik-Tok to see the number of folk taking on self-build projects and exploring far flung destinations.
But what if you can’t afford one of the ready-made solutions, such as Volkswagen’s gorgeous California line or the plucky Ford Nugget?
Thankfully, you can convert almost any panel van into a luxury camper with a little DIY knowledge or by enlisting the help of a professional outfit.
If this has fuelled your wanderlust, take a look at our guide to some of the best vans currently on the market, as well as tips on the conversion process.
Top 5 vans for a camper conversion
1. Volkswagen Crafter
(Volkswagen)
The large, practical and surprisingly easy to drive Crafter is arguably the pinnacle of the camper can conversion world, purely because it has an absolutely enormous load volume and comes kitted out with the latest driving technology. It’s plush, for a commercial vehicle.
Niceties, such as front and rear parking sensors, a silky smooth six-speed manual gearbox and a 10.4 inch infotainment system make it feel like an oversized Golf to drive, while the option of longer wheelbases and high roofs mean it can swallow even the most lavish projects.
However, prices start at around £55,500 for the latest model, so road trips won’t come cheap and to compound matters, they boast fantastic residual values, so even turning to the used market won’t exactly throw up many bargains.
2. Ford Transit Van
(Ford)
It needs very little introduction, seeing as the humble Transit has been the lifeblood of the British economy for almost 60 years, but the latest model is arguably the most accomplished yet.
It can be optioned as a double cab-in-van, which means more space for the family to travel safely, while several wheelbase lengths and roof heights ensure you can get exactly the sort of space you need in the back for beds, cooking equipment and even showering facilities.
Standard equipment is good, with Ford’s Sync 4 infotainment system (complete with whopping 12-inch touchscreen) and a comprehensive package of active driver assistance technology offered.
The latest version is a comfortable place to while away the miles and it comes in cheaper than VW products, with prices starting at around £48,000. Oh, and you don’t have to buy it in white, either.
3. MAN TGE
(MAN)
Big, tough and willing to tackle most terrain, the MAN TGE has become a popular option with camper conversion fanatics as it offers a fantastic amount of interior space, technology and pulling power for the money.
Basic panel vans start at around £35,000, with numerous powertrains and sizes on offer. An all-wheel-drive version could be the perfect option if you are planning on taking adventures off the beaten path, while the big 2.0-litre engine can be specified with 174bhp and 410Nm of torque, meaning it can haul heavy kit that you may have installed in the rear.
As with the Ford Transit Van, there’s also the option of an electrified version with around 80-90 miles of range, which could be the choice to go for if you’re keeping the camping experience fairly local.
4. Citroen Relay
(Citroen)
The largest van in the Citroen range has recently been overhauled with a new range of powerful but economical engines, as well as an impressive suite of onboard equipment and comfort features.
An impressive load capacity of 1,500kg means it will happily handle even the largest camper conversion projects and the numerous wheel bases and body styles means there should be an option to tick all project boxes.
The more potent diesel engines come with the option of an 8-speed automatic gearbox, which makes high mileage more pleasant to cover off. In addition to this, standard features like the reversing camera, climate control and touchscreen infotainment make it more car-like than previous generations of Relay, which is a boon for the uninitiated.
5. Volkswagen Transporter
(Volkswagen)
Granted, it’s another VW making the list, but the Transporter is arguably one of the most popular models for camper conversions in Europe. Pull up at any campsite and we bet you can count multiple T4, T5 and T6 variants flaunting their pop-roof mechanisms and fancy built-in kitchens.
In fact, there are a number of conversions companies in the UK that Specialise in more compact and easier to live with Transporter, while a comprehensive parts market makes it a doddle to buy off-the-shelf equipment that has been designed to play nicely with several generations of Transporter.
We are now in version 6.1, with an even newer model that shares its platform with the upcoming Ford Transit due sometime in 2025. But like the Crafter, even basic 6.1 Panel Vans are pricey, with a buoyant used market making it difficult to snare a used bargain.
That said, there are so many that have already been converted, it is highly likely you will find a nice T5 with all of the camper van flourishes for less than what you would pay for a brand new T6.1 fresh from the forecourt.
Camper van conversion Q&A
What is the law surrounding camper van conversions?
If you are simply planning on fitting out the rear of the van with sleeping, cooking and general camping equipment, there is no need to inform the DVLA, so long as what you are fitting doesn’t go beyond the maximum payload of the vehicle in question and it is safely installed.
However, if you want to register the vehicle as a motor caravan, it must fit certain criteria, such as having rear windows, a separate door for access and and a permanent high-top roof. The DVLA website is your best source of information on the matter.
Some owners have found that correctly registering a panel van as a leisure vehicle has reaped rewards when it comes to lower insurance premiums and slightly less expensive MOTs.
Also bear in mind that it is illegal for passengers to travel in the rear unless you have a legal seating and seatbelt configuration. This will have to be approved during the MOT process.
Can I convert a van myself?
Most definitely, and there are thousands of videos online that chart the process of a camper van conversion. Anyone with a vague knowledge of DIY and carpentry can have a go, while the Internet is a fantastic resource for tips on up-cycling old kitchen cupboards and re-using parts to keep the costs of a build top a minimum.
That said, if the thought of power tools and plywood fills you with dread, it might be worth seeking out a professional camper conversion company, which leads us neatly to…
How much does a camper van conversion cost?
This is really a “how long is a piece of string” question, because budgets can quickly spiral if you start adding fancy custom carpentry, bespoke lighting and/or showering and toilet facilities.
Reborn Campers, which specialises in Volkswagen Transporter conversion projects (there are many others), suggests that the most basic professional builds cost between £5,000 and £10,000 and features insulation, flooring, simple kitchen facilities, and a bed.
Luxury conversions, which contain high end kitchen facilities and premium materials can easily cost in excess of £20,000. Add showers, toilets and pop-top roofs for additional sleeping space and that can tickle £40,000.
That said, we’ve seen DIY projects completed for as little as a few hundred pounds and a lot of up-cycling know-how.
However, bear in mind that a well-executed camper conversion will aid resale value when it comes time to move it on, so it is not money wasted.
The 12-hour endurance race takes place at the famous Anglesey race circuit in north Wales.
Forces charity Mission Motorsport and eBay have partnered together to repair a written-off Subaru BRZ that will be used by volunteers to compete in a gruelling 12-hour endurance race taking place over Remembrance weekend.
Mission Motorsport helps those who have been affected by military operations and provides careers in the automotive industry.
Together with eBay, the charity will be fixing up a 2016 Subaru BRZ that has previously been crashed but classed as a category N, which means that it has been previously written off but left with non-structural damage.
The car in question is a 2016 Subaru BRZ that uses an automatic gearbox. (Malcolm Griffiths)
Speaking to the PA news agency, Mark White, operations manager behind the project said that they: “Didn’t necessarily want a BRZ, we have two Toyota GT86’s in the fleet, which are 99 per cent the same [as the Subaru]. For me, what I wanted was a comparable car that somebody who is handicapped in a whForces charity set to repair and race written-off Subaru BRZ at upcoming Remembrance Day eventeelchair could actually compete against somebody with an able body on a level playing field.”
The Subaru will be repaired and will return to standard specification as part of Mission Motorsport’s training programme. The car will then be modified to enable the team who are rebuilding it to drive the car – this will include hand controls on the steering wheel. Furthermore, the BRZ will be automatic as all the volunteers are paralysed from the waist down.
Once the vehicle has been repaired and converted, the volunteers behind the project are set to take part in the Race of Remembrance at Anglesey in November this year.
It also marks the 10th anniversary of the commemorative fund-raiser – while nearly every member from the racing team to the pit crew will be wheelchair users or have lower limb injuries.
The crash damaged car will be rebuilt and raced at the end of this year. (Malcolm Griffiths)
Ebay’s partnership will help supply parts from its Assured Fit programme, certified recycled parts and my garage services. All these collaborations ensure that every part purchased and supplied will fit and is tailored to the exact vehicle to ensure good quality parts are installed.
Mark White went on to say: “We’ve managed to get some really good beneficiaries and volunteers who are offering their time and their skills free of charge to come and help us put that car together so that combats that challenge. The biggest challenge is the financials, these guys that are volunteering, have offered a decent amount of free time to us.”
Ebay conducted some research regarding category N written-off vehicles and found that more than 80 per cent of UK motorists do not understand the significance of their status.
Furthermore, it found that more than a quarter of buyers would consider buying one, as long as they’re convinced by substantial savings, while 28 per cent would buy one if the market value was reduced by more than 30 per cent.
White touched upon what to look out for if buyers are in the market when purchasing a category N vehicle, he said: “It’s telltale signs of poor paint repairs, the fact that it has been damaged isn’t necessarily a bad thing as long as it’s been repaired correctly. Panel gaps are another giveaway and things like rattles and wheels not pointing in the same direction and uneven tyre wear if it’s had some suspension damage.”
The car and team will be competing in the Race of Remembrance at Anglesey, which takes part from November 8 to 10.
The recently revealed supermini will be available with electric or mild-hybrid power.
Fiat has revealed more details about its upcoming Grande Panda supermini.
The new model will be available with either electric or mild-hybrid powertrains.
The electric version will come with a 44kWh battery – the same as in its Citroen e-C3 stablemate at Stellantis – and will do an estimated 198 miles on a single charge. However, this figure hasn’t been officially confirmed on the WLTP cycle.
A choice of electric and mild-hybrid powertrains will be on offer. (Stellantis)
Further performance figures are yet to be revealed, but the electric motor will produce 111bhp and send power to just the front wheels.
The mild-hybrid petrol version, which comes with a manual gearbox, will use a small electric motor whose capacity is yet to be revealed. It’ll be linked to a 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine, though, producing 99bhp and giving 120Nm of torque.
Inside, features a double glove compartment. (Stellantis)
Inside, the Grande Panda will have 13 litres of storage space in the dashboard with the use of a double glove compartment. There is a wood-effect trim and a two-spoke black and blue leather steering wheel plus rectangular air vents. It’ll also have a 10-inch digital display for the driver and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen.
When the first pictures of the Grande Panda were released last month, Olivier Francois, Fiat CEO and Stellantis global chief marketing officer, said: ‘This compact car is based on a global platform, giving the brand the opportunity to expand its global reach.
‘With the Grande Panda, Fiat now begins its transition to global common platforms that cover all regions of the world, passing on the resulting benefits to its customers worldwide. In fact, the Grande Panda is perfectly suited for families and urban mobility in every country – a real Fiat!’
Final prices are still to be announced, but Fiat has hinted that the electric version will start from less than £22,000 while the mild-hybrid model will cost from under £20,000, making it one of the cheapest EVs on sale.
Special-edition car uses helicopter parts and will be auctioned in aid of charities for service personnel.
Caterham and the RAF have teamed up to create a one-off Seven 360R using parts of a Puma HC2 helicopter.
The special-edition car will raise money for the charity Mission Motorsport as well as the RAF Benevolent Fund, both of which help service personnel, and will be on display for the first time at this weekend’s Formula One British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
It’s hoped it’ll raise more than £100,000 when it’s auctioned by Collecting Cars.
Bob Laishley, CEO of Caterham, said: “When the RAF approached us about this project we jumped at the chance to be involved. It was an interesting build process for us as it’s the first time in our history that a Seven has been made from recycled helicopter parts.”
The outside finish is the same as when it was taken from the helicopter, with the remaining panels painted in matching Nato Green. In addition, aluminium skin from the tail boom and doors has been used as panels for the Seven’s exterior as well as the internal rear bulkhead.
Meanwhile, the chassis also mirrors the helicopter underneath, having been finished in the colour Desert Sand.
The RAF-derived 360R will be auctioned for charity. (Caterham)
Inside, the helicopter’s quilted soundproofing lines the door panels as well as tunnel top and forms padding for the carbon-fibre seats, too, while the satin black dashboard matches the Puma HC2’s switchgear. The car also features a helicopter-style three-way ignition procedure and the aircraft’s navigation clock forms the centrepiece of the dashboard.
Aircraft engineer Corporal Matthew McCreadie said: “Through the course of this project I had the opportunity to refine my skills and learn some new engineering techniques. I am proud to be a part of the team that made this car and to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics within the RAF.”
Bidding for the car opens on August 15 and closes on September 12.
This bespoke model is the first Huayra to come with a manual gearbox and represents the pinnacle of Pagani’s hypercars.
Pagani has revealed a one-off special edition of its iconic Huayra hypercar – the Epitome.
Created by Pagani’s special project division, Grandi Complicazioni, what makes this model unique is that the Epitome is the first Huayra to feature a manual gearbox.
Powering the car is the firm’s AMG-derived V12 twin-turbocharged engine that produces 851bhp and 1,100Nm of torque. A 0-60mph time hasn’t been revealed, although it boasts a top speed of 217mph.
There is a redesigned rear end and bespoke design features at the front, too. (Pagani)
It has a new active suspension system with a ‘super soft’ button on the centre console, which adapts the shock absorbers depending on the type of road surface the car is driving on below 93mph (150kph). Above that speed, the shocks return to their normal setting.
A lightweight six-way titanium exhaust system ensures that the Huayra’s V12 engine sounds the best it can when accelerating, while the forged aluminium monolithic alloy wheels reduce the car’s weight even further.
There’s a new front bumper with an integrated splitter, which was designed at the customer’s request to increase downforce and balance the car in all driving conditions. Meanwhile, a bespoke light unit includes four lights in the bonnet and two daytime running lights in the front bumper.
The rear end has been redesigned with a new rear wing integrated into the quarter panels that not only improves the aesthetics but helps with aerodynamics, too.
(Pagani)
No price has been revealed as the Huayra Epitome has been bespoke-made for one customer. The car will be on display at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, which takes place from July 11 to July 14.
The infamous Goodwood Festival of Speed event will showcase the prototype of Mini’s newest addition to the electric era.
Mini will bring a prototype version of its new John Cooper Works E to this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.
It’s expected that the new model, which becomes the first electric Mini to wear the John Cooper Works badge, will be taking on the famous hill climb in camouflaged form.
The performance-oriented model will come with a tweaked electric powertrain to provide more power and deliver a more involving driving experience than the standard car.
In the future, the JCW line-up will feature both internal-combustion and electric models and spectators at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed will be able to view the line-up on display at the First Glance paddock for the duration of the event.
The new John Cooper Works E will be officially revealed later this year. (Mini)
Studying the images of the prototype car, we can see that there is a large wraparound rear spoiler, gloss black side skirts and a large gloss black diffuser that runs the width of the lower bumper and protrudes into the side profile. There are larger alloy wheels and a deeper front bumper, too.
The Goodwood event will also allow Mini to show off a range of its latest models including the new Countryman, Aceman and Cooper three and five-door variants – while the Cooper Electric can be found on display in Electric Avenue.
The world premiere of the new Mini John Cooper Works E will be at the end of this year, while the Goodwood Festival of Speed where the prototype will make its debut takes place from July 11 to 14.
