James Bond, the suave, Martini-swilling British spy is usually found behind the wheel of an elegant, swooping sports car – think Lotus Esprit in The Spy Who Loved Me, or Aston Martin DB10 in Spectre.
However, what do the vast majority of 007’s cars have in common? They all use petrol power.
With the real-life car industry moving towards electrification and away from combustion engines, shouldn’t Q-branch start issuing Bond with an electric-powered performance car instead? We’ve picked five electric cars that would look the part in any-high speed car chase with Bond behind the wheel.
Jaguar E-Type Zero
British? Check. Two seats? Check. Convertible? Check. Straight from the off, the Jaguar E-Type Zero appears to be the perfect electrified Bond car.
Based on a regular 1968 E-Type, the Zero uses an electric powertrain developing 220kW, allowing it to hit 60mph in under six seconds.
It’s also got all of the charisma required for a Bond car, but remains elegant and understated. Bond has, interestingly, never driven an E-Type before, so this would be its first appearance in the franchise.
Tesla Roadster
With Tesla at the forefront of electric car technology, its latest Roadster makes for an ideal high-speed transport option for Bond.
With a claimed 0-60mph time of under two seconds, 007 would be one of the fastest things on the road – and far quicker than any pursuing baddies.
In addition, Tesla claims that the Roadster will be able to do 620 miles on a single charge, so cross-continent jaunts shouldn’t be any cause for concern.
Morgan EV3
Traditional, but effective – traits that describe both James Bond and this – Morgan’s new EV3 electric 3 Wheeler.
Though far more compact than most Bond cars, the Morgan is likely to provide as grand an entrance as any Aston Martin.
In addition to a 34.9kW electric motor, the EV3’s low centre of gravity gives it excellent cornering abilities, while coach-built bodywork gifts it with a level of exclusiveness that is needed by any Bond car.
BMW i8
Though the BMW i8 has been around for a little while now, there are very few cars like it on the road today for sheer other-worldly looks.
Its gullwing doors, stylish aerodynamics and powerful hybrid powertrain all put it firmly into Bond car territory.
It’ll hit 60mph in under five seconds, only topping out at 155mph – enough performance for any mountain road chase. We could easily see Q-branch fitting rocket launchers at either side, too.
Honda Sports EV
Arguably one of the most stylish electric vehicles to be revealed in 2017, the Sports EV from Honda would be well suited to life with 007 behind the wheel.
Low-slung and compact, the Sports EV shows what the future of electrified sports cars could look like – and what the future of Bond vehicles could be too.
It would be the first time that a Honda would have appeared in the films, giving Bond an all-new mode of transport.
Police officers have issued a warning to drink and drug drivers who think they can get away with it: Don’t bother.
We were invited along to experience Hampshire Constabulary’s Operation Holly where officers were using intelligence-led policing to catch offenders. But despite the tip-offs from the public via Crimestoppers, officers still use their skill, intuition and experience to spot drink drivers.
Traffic officer PC Chris Powling said: “There’s no point thinking you can get away with drink driving. There might be certain things we look for, but if you think you can cover up drink or drug driving – you can’t.
“Impaired drivers always give themselves away one way or another, and we’re experienced enough to spot the signs. Our message is simple: Don’t drink or take drugs, and drive.”
Here are some tell-tale signs to help sober motorists spot drink and drug drivers – and if you do, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Driving manner
How motorists who’ve had a drink or taken drugs drive their cars is very different to those who are sober. Not keeping the car in a straight line, weaving in between the white lines and overstepping give way marks and stop signs are all tell tales of an inebriated driver.
Offences
Traffic cops can only breathalyse drivers who have committed a ‘moving road traffic violation’. That could be something as simple as having a brake light out, or speeding.
Once pulled over, officers are perfectly within their rights to breathalyse the driver.
Ask the question
Have you had anything to drink in the last 24 hours? It’s a simple question and one that most people, especially at the weekend, will find hard to answer no to.
A positive answer means the officer can pull out the breath test machine and ask the driver to provide a reading.
Speeding
We’ve already mentioned it, but intoxicated drivers often think they’re better than they are. Their heightened confidence levels from the alcohol or drugs mean they’re far more likely to break the limit. At the other end of the scale, officers are looking for those who are driving too slowly – another sign a driver is trying to avoid detection.
Car condition
If you’re happy to wantonly break the law by drink driving, chances are you don’t really care about the state your car is in. Traffic cops say most offenders have something wrong with their car, such as bald tyres, lights out, or damaged panels – and they look out for these while on patrol.
Misty windows
Another giveaway on cold nights – especially around the festive season – is “letterbox windows”. This is where a driver has simply wiped a small area of a misted-up window and driven off. Drink-drivers are often impatient, or simply don’t notice their windows are foggy before driving off.
Cold air
Driving around with a window down in winter is unusual – and can be a tell-tale sign of a drink-driver. Officers explained that the blast of cold air makes the intoxicated drivers feel more alert, especially when the sleepy effects of alcohol are kicking in, which is why they’ll keep an eye out for them as they’re driving around.
No lights
At this time of year lots of people forget to put their lights on, but it can also be a sign someone has had a drink. After a skin full, drivers often are not thinking straight and they’ll see the daytime running lights illuminating the road ahead and think their headlights are on.
---VIDEO ATTACHED---
Video title: How do the police spot a drink driver?
Video desc: Here are some tell-tale signs to help sober motorists spot drink and drug drivers – and if you do, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Video copyright: Blackball Media
Video url: http://msnvideo.blackballmedia.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Drunk-Driving.m4v
Flashing blue lights aren’t usually a welcome sight – unless, of course, they’re attached to an iconic police vehicle like one of these.
Over the years, police forces around the world have attached blue lights and a siren to some pretty special machines. Here’s a look at some of our favourites.
Ford RS200 Police Car
Back in 1986, UK police officers were usually found behind the wheel of a Ford Sierra or Granda – save for this lucky traffic cop, who was able to pilot a police-liveried RS200.
Powered by a 250bhp 1.8-litre petrol engine, the RS200 was certainly fast. This iconic shoot took place on a closed section of motorway – and was recently recreated with a new Focus RS police car pulling over a Sierra Cosworth.
Lamborghini Huracan Polizia
The Lamborghini Huracan is a V10-powered, mid-engined supercar capable of 60mph in under four seconds – ideal, then, as a high-speed response car for the Italian Highway Patrol in Rome.
Genuinely used, the Huracan Polizia was put into action as an everyday police car, as well as for the urgent transport of blood and organs. The exterior of the car was finished in the Italian police’s colours, while the tyre sidewalls were even tinted in the shade.
Carabinieri Alfa Romeo Giulia QV
This stealthy Alfa Romeo Giulia QV was delivered to the Carabinieri – the military arm of the Italian police force.
It’s a smart choice for a police car – a powerful turbocharged V6 gives it plenty of performance while sharp, nimble handling makes it ideal for changing lanes and nipping in between traffic quickly.
BMW i3
Okay, so it may not be the most visually-appealing police car available, but the fundamentals of the BMW i3 make it well suited to the job.
It’s got a surprising amount of punch, and its high torque levels mean that it’ll out-sprint more cars than you’d expect.
It’s also zero-emissions, meaning that officers can chase after criminals while doing little harm to the environment. An all-electric range of 97 miles means there’s more than enough charge for daily duties too.
Lotus Evora
Back in 2011, legendary lightweight sports car creator Lotus gifted one of its Evora vehicles to the West Midlands Police Force.
Powered by a 3.5-litre V6 with 280bhp, it arrived on a two-week loan and was the first time a high-end sports car had been used by the UK police.
It came with full police livery and blue lights, mounted on the roof and in the car’s front grille, so there was no mistaking it as it loomed large in offenders’ mirrors.
Dodge Charger Pursuit
Meet the Dodge Charger Pursuit – a contender from across the pond. As well as looking effortlessly mean, it uses either a V6 or V8 petrol engine, so it’s got plenty of power under the “hood”.
It boasts performance-tuned suspension with load-levelling shocks, as well as ballistic door panels that give the very best passenger protection. Plus, it can also be specified with all-wheel-drive for better traction.
Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge
Something as heavy and luxurious as a Rolls-Royce isn’t typically suited to life as a patrol car, however this Ghost Black Badge, supporting Sussex Police at a recent event, looks like it’s fully up to the task.
Livery aside, the Ghost remains close to standard. The interior, for instance, is finished in black and tan contrast leather. Unfortunately, this particular Rolls-Royce never entered active service, so it never got the chance to police the mean streets of Sussex.
BAC Mono
The BAC Mono is a lightweight, powerful single-seater race car for the road, and therefore isn’t the first choice for most police forces.
It was, however, extensively tested on the Isle of Man, and in doing so formed a partnership between the island’s constabulary and BAC.
Just one lucky officer – PC Andy Greves – was assigned to the car, tasked with promoting road safety on the island. Given that the Mono can hit 60mph in 2.8 seconds, it’s unlikely to have taken him too long to get around and was the perfect car to keep up with speeding bikers.
Porsche 911 Targa
In the 1960s the Dutch police were on the hunt for a vehicle capable of policing its then derestricted motorways.
It arrived at a Porsche 356, which stayed in use for some time. However, in 1967 the authorities went back to Porsche for another patrol car – a 911 Targa.
In operation until 1996, over 507 Porsche cars have been adorned with the Dutch police livery – making it the largest historic Porsche police fleet in the world.
Rover SD1
The Rover SD1 was the iconic police car of the 1980s, offering speed in a classically boxy shape.
They were stripped of any standard-vehicle frivolities, though, which is why they used a manual gearbox rather than an automatic, and had manual windows instead of electric. The springs were stiffened to aid cornering, while a heavy-duty clutch and bigger engine were fitted too.
Dubai Police
Okay, so this isn’t one car in particular – but rather the whole of Dubai Police’s fleet.
What began with a Lamborghini Aventador back in 2013 has now grown to include a Mercedes-AMG G63, Nissan GT-R and an Audi R8 – so any pursuit is likely to be stopped impressively quickly.
The fleet also contains – amazingly – a Bugatti Veyron. The 253mph-capable hypercar tops the bill of a current 14-strong fleet of high-speed patrol vehicles.
And one for future cops…
Giving a glimpse into the future of police patrol vehicles is this – the Scorpion-3 hoverbike. It’s just been tested out in Dubai (where else?), giving officers there the future opportunity of pursuing criminals from above – without the need for a helicopter.
Makers Hoversurf say that it has set new world records for flight height at 28.5 metres, and climbing rate too at five metres per second. Coupled with its impressive fleet of supercar patrol vehicles, there’s little escape for criminals from Dubai’s police.
---VIDEO ATTACHED---
Video title: Dubai Police's motorcycle cops of the future
Video desc: Giving a glimpse into the future of police patrol vehicles is this – the Scorpion-3 hoverbike. It’s just been tested out in Dubai (where else?), giving officers there the future opportunity of pursuing criminals from above – without the need for a helicopter.
Video copyright: Blackball Media
Video url: http://msnvideo.blackballmedia.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/dubai_20police_20test_20out_20a_20hoverbike.mp4
The French are well known for their wacky designs – and the new DS 7 Crossback certainly doesn’t disappoint.
Not only does it debut a unique look for premium SUVs, but it’s packed with cool tech like night vision, suspension that scans the road ahead, swivelling headlights and cat paw massages.
Here’s a closer look at the bits that caught our eye on the new £39,335 DS 7.
Cat pawing seats
Ever fancied a massage from a cat? No, us neither – but if that’s your particular fetish, the DS 7 can help.
As part of the car’s “Sensorial Drive” options, the driver and passenger can opt for a massage called “cat paw” which feels like a feline kneading your back. Yes, we thought it was a bit weird too.
The cabin ambience settings are called “My Cashmere” and “My Titanium” and also adjust the interior lighting intensity and colour, the tone of the music playing out of the speakers and the drive mode.
DS Active Scan Suspension
To help it ride smoothly, the DS 7 Crossback has a trick bit of kit hidden in the windscreen. A camera, which has height sensors and accelerometers built in, analyses the road ahead and prepares the suspension for imperfections.
The result is an extremely comfortable ride that would make the DS 7 an ideal long-distance companion. This sort of technology is normally only seen on the likes of the Mercedes S-Class, so the fact it’s here – and actually works – is impressive.
Night vision
If you’re imagining driving along with massive goggles on your head like in that T-Rex scene in Jurassic Park, don’t worry, it’s better integrated than that.
Selected via a dial on the steering wheel, the digital screen in the instrument binnacle (which is standard on all but the entry-level trim) can be switched to a heat-sensing view of the road ahead.
Cars, people, animals and other sources of heat appear bright white on the screen, but what’s most impressive is that people are highlighted in yellow, often before you’ve even noticed them yourself. There’s also a beep if it looks like you might hit them.
Swivel headlights
This is one of those things you just have to trust works. The LEDs twist and turn to light the road ahead and adapt to the environment you’re in to illuminate exactly what you need to see.
There are different settings for city driving, country roads and motorways, which activate based on your speed. There’s even a different light profile when the windscreen wipers are active to improve visibility in adverse weather.
And, when you turn the car on, the LED modules spin 180 degrees to face the road, which is totally unnecessary, but looks really cool.
BRM clock
DS Automobiles has a partnership with luxury watchmakers BRM Chronographs. There’s an analogue clock on top of the dashboard, which swivels to hide away when the car is turned off, swivelling back into place when the engine is started.
Useful for security, because if a shady observer spots a BRM clock sitting proud on the dashboard they might just be tempted to break in.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
Model as tested: DS 7 Crossback Prestige
Price: £39,335
Engine: 2.0-litre diesel
Power (bhp): 174
Torque (Nm): 400Nm
Max speed (mph): 134mph
0-60mph: 9.7 seconds
MPG: 57.6
Emissions (g/km): 128
Luxury car maker Rolls-Royce has been criticised for allowing grime artist Skepta to appear in a promotional video while not wearing a seatbelt.
The award-winning rapper is seen sitting in the back seat of a £360,000 Rolls-Royce Phantom with a friend, creating a song while being driven around not buckled up.
The Highway Code states that all passengers – including those sat in the rear – must wear a seatbelt at all times.
Road safety campaigners have reacted with shock that Rolls-Royce, based at Goodwood, West Sussex, released the video, which was filmed in Switzerland.
Jason Wakeford, director of campaigns for road safety charity Brake, said: “It appears as if seatbelts may have not been worn in this promotional video and, if that was indeed the case, we’d expect Rolls-Royce to be setting a much better example.
“Putting on a seatbelt only takes a few seconds, yet remains one of the most important things people can do to protect themselves in a vehicle.
“Failing to belt up is not only illegal, but it could also cost you and those around you their life.”
Under Swiss law, it is compulsory for all passengers to wear a seatbelt if they are fitted. According to the RAC, police officers can issue and collect on-the-spot fines of up to 200 Swiss francs (circa £150).
In the video, Skepta and his passenger are seen being driven around the Swiss Alps while he attempts to create a song on his laptop. On several occasions, the passenger leans forward and it’s clear that the pair are not wearing seatbelts.
Edmund King, president of the AA, added: “Perhaps Skepta, the great grime artist, should listen to his own song ‘It Ain’t Safe’ before rapping in the back of a Rolls-Royce, apparently not wearing a seatbelt.
“Remember ‘it ain’t safe’ ever to travel in any car, not matter how safe, without belting up.”
The National Police Chiefs’ Council was unable to comment, but quoted UK legislation, which states: “You must wear a seatbelt in cars, vans and other goods vehicles if one is fitted.
“Adults, and children aged 14 years and over, must use a seatbelt or child restraint, where fitted, when seated in minibuses, buses and coaches.
“Exemptions are allowed for the holders of medical exemption certificates and those making deliveries or collections in goods vehicles when travelling less than 50 metres.”
Drivers or passengers who break the law by failing to wear a seatbelt could face an on-the-spot fine of £100, or a maximum fine of £500, if prosecuted.
In 2010, Skepta tweeted: “Why don’t Cars have a button that says “I’M GONNA PUT MY SEATBELT ON IN A MINUTE NOW STOP F*%KIN BEEPING”.”
Why don't Cars have a button that says "I'M GONNA PUT MY SEATBELT ON IN A MINUTE NOW STOP F*%KIN BEEPING"
Cars should have four wheels, right? Wrong! Well, at least it is if these mad, six-wheeled monsters are anything to go by.
They might not come along very often, but when they do a six-wheeled car certainly makes a statement. Whether they’re 50 per cent better, though, is still up for debate.
British car modification firm Kahn Design has just revealed a six-wheeled Land Rover Defender convertible – which reminded us to delve into the archives and have a look for some other half-dozen wheeled specials.
Kahn Design Flying Hunstman Defender 6×6 Soft Top
The latest edition to the six-wheel market is this effort from Bradford-based tuners Kahn Design, which has fitted a soft top to its wild Flying Huntsman model.
Its engineers took a Land Rover Defender and fitted an extra axle at the rear as well as a wide body kit to give it an extra-menacing appearance.
The rear section has been extended and now features a retractable soft top, giving the rear-most passengers the joys of open-top motoring in a vehicle capable of scaling a mountain – but now with a bit of protection, should the weather take a turn for the worse.
Panther Six
The Panther Six, unveiled in 1977 at a cost of £39,950 – or £264,000 in today’s money, was an attempt to totally reinvent the luxury car. It featured twin front axles, an ultra-luxurious coupe body and a mammoth twin-turbocharged 8.2-litre Cadillac engine – it was excess to the extreme.
Oddly enough, the idea never took off, and only two examples were ever built. Sadly, no attempt has been made to verify Panther’s claim of a 200mph-plus top speed.
Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG 6×6
The G-Class is a world-renowned go-anywhere off-roader. Its basic, boxy shape has been largely unchanged since it was introduced in 1979 – except for that time Mercedes released a six-wheeled version.
Known as the 6×6, it was built by the German firm’s in-house tuning company AMG. With 536bhp from its 5.5-litre V8, the £370,000 machine had more than enough power to get you out of trouble whatever the terrain.
Technological highlights include five lockable differentials, Ohlins suspension delivering an increased ride height and a high-powered LED light strip above the windscreen.
Hennessey Velociraptor 6×6
Hennessey Performance’s Velociraptor 6×6 is the ultimate expression of bigger is better. Based on the Ford Raptor, which is a beefed-up version of Ford’s already-massive F-150 truck, the Velociraptor 6×6 is a ludicrously expensive, ludicrously quick load lugger.
Starting at $349,000 (£260,000), modifications to the 3.5-litre V6 engine takes its output beyond 600bhp, while the 0-60mph sprint can be despatched in less than five seconds.
Tyrrell P34
Formula 1 teams are always looking for that innovative engineering idea that will give them an advantage over their opponents, and in 1976 Tyrrell came up with one of the most unique examples of that.
Project 34 featured two small wheels on each side at the front of the car, and one normal-sized wheel on each side at the rear.
Tyrrell came up with the idea after new regulations were introduced that limited the size of the front wing. To keep the size of the wheel small enough that it didn’t impact air flow while maintaining an effective contact patch, Tyrrell’s engineers fitted two on each side up front.
It was very successful in its first year, leading other teams to begin development of their own six-wheeled designs. However, changes made for its second season made it less competitive, leading Tyrrell to ditch the idea. Formula 1 later put rules in place that cars must have four wheels.
The festive season is rapidly approaching – but what do you get for the car-mad person in your life?
Helpfully, we’ve put together a list of the ideal presents for petrolheads, and with a variety of different prices there’s sure to be something for every budget.
Mercedes-AMG Technical Jacket
There can be few better ways to show your allegiance to one of the most famous car tuning arms of all time than by getting this fantastic jacket – short of buying one of its ludicrously expensive cars, of course.
This one is fully waterproof and windproof, so is perfect for the chilly winter months. There’s also a handy interior pocket for your mobile phone.
Where: Mercedes-Benz webstore How much: £165
Autoglym Gift Set
What could be better than starting a new year than with a gleaming car? For that you need the best products and, thankfully, Autoglym has that covered.
Its gift pack is filled with a variety of different products designed to make cleaning your pride and joy as simple as possible. It helps that the products are really rather good, too.
Omologato has a strong heritage in motorsport, making classic-looking watches that are inspired by motor racing. They’re the perfect gift for those who love racing, and those who like solidly made watches too. There are plenty of designs to choose from on the manufacturer’s website.
Where: Omologato website
How much: £289 – £599
Dash Cams
With ever-rising insurance prices and more vehicles on the roads than ever, a dash cam could be a practical gift for a loved one or even yourself.
Our choice camera is the Nextbase Duo HD. As the name may suggest, it features a dual-camera setup that can record footage from the front and rear of the car in 1080p, ensuring maximum coverage.
Recommended retail price for the Duo HD is £199, although Halfords is currently offering a bundle that also includes a 32gb MicroSD card and a hardwire fitting kit for £239.
Where: Halfords How much: £199
Gaming
This year has seen plenty of new racing games, so you’re spoilt for choice this festive season.
Our pick for Xbox owners is the excellent Forza Motorsport 7, which features more than 660 cars and 32 track locations — it’s even enhanced for the new Xbox One X, meaning 4k gaming. It’s available on Amazon for £39.95.
PlayStation 4 gamers should opt for Gran Turismo Sport — which takes the once car collection-focused series into a new, more motorsport-centred experience. Amazon currently has it listed for £38.
Where: Various stores How much: From £38
Scalextric
In a world where mobile devices and gaming consoles dominate households, it’s increasingly difficult for traditional toy manufacturers to keep up. Hornby has had a go though, with its new Scalextric Arc Air technology — showcased in the excellent 24h Le Mans Porsche 911 RSR set.
The set retains the traditional Scalextric experience — including two Porsche 911 race cars and enough track to make 12 different layouts.
The real party trick lies in the Arc Air tech — which lets races be set up through an app available on both iOS and Android devices, including grand prix, endurance races and even the ability to race a mobile-device controlled opponent. What’s more, the app can even simulate fuel levels, tyre wear and racing incidents.
Where: Hornby website How much: £219.99
Mini Roof Tent
The Mini Countryman is the largest and most off-road friendly car the British brand has ever produced.
To make it even more appealing to those outdoors enthusiasts, you can now purchase a special tent that can be attached to the Mini’s roof. It’s produced by a company called Autohome, and will set you back a considerable £2,800 when adjusted for UK pricing.
Where: Autohome website How much: circa £2,800
Bentley GT3 Radio Control Car
Have you got an aspiring young racing driver in the family? This 1:14 scale remote-control version of Bentley’s Continental GT3 racer could just be the perfect gift for them. It can travel at speeds of up to 6mph and at a distance of 20 metres.
Where: Official Bentley shop How much: £59
Damon Hill: Watching The Wheels
Legendary British Formula 1 world champion Damon Hill has released an autobiography – and it’s so good it won book of the year at the Royal Automobile Club awards this year.
It charts his rise to the top of motorsport’s elite, while also looking at what it was like to grow up as the son of an iconic racing driver. It’s perfect for motorsport fans who grew up watching Hill every weekend.
Where: Amazon How much: £4
DAB Radio Adapter
Most modern cars come with DAB radio, but if you’ve got an older vehicle and you’re fed up of missing out on digital radio, there is a solution.
DAB radio adapters allow you to pick up digital radio signals and play them through your existing unit, which means you get better audio quality and a larger variety of stations – perfect for long drives to see family at Christmas.
If you thought insuring a rusting Vauxhall Corsa as a 17-year-old just-passed driver was bad enough – spare a thought for Luke Skywalker.
To mark the arrival of the new film Star Wars: The Last Jedi, an insurance company has ‘used the force’ to crunch the numbers and work out just how much it would cost to get cover for the intergalactic craft in the film.
Eight ships – including the iconic Millennium Falcon – have been given full insurance quotes by InsureTheGap, considering their weight, size and pilot/owner’s profiles.
The insurer has given top speeds, but they appear not to take into account their hyper drives and ability to travel at lightspeed. We haven’t pointed that out to them, though, because that would reveal us as massive geeks…
So, which will tip even the strongest Jedi to the dark side when they see the bill? Let’s find out.
X-34 Landspeeder — £544
The X-34 Landspeeder was the first vehicle of Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker — still a moisture farmer at time of ownership.
With a low insurance cost of £544, the small hovering craft would be a wise choice for any young galactic traveller.
Khetanna — £5,483
For what looks like a bodge-job boat with Repulsorlift engines strapped on, £5,483 may seem like quite an ask.
But as intergalactic gangster Jabba the Hutt’s hang out — with space for 500 passengers, a pub on board hosting live bands, as well as cannons to fend off any space criminals – it was quite a machine and that premium actually looks like quite a bargain.
Sebulba’s Podracer — £9,545
Pod racing is the Formula One of the galaxy — albeit with slightly less-stringent safety rules.
What we have here is effectively two engines strapped to a seat to sort of form a vehicle designed for high-stakes motorsport.
Although £9,545 may seem cheap compared to others on this list, the spacecraft-to-cost ratio is pretty low, and we’re pretty sure this thing wouldn’t be civilian space-route legal.
TIE Advanced x1 — £112,932
Piloted by Sith Lord Darth Vader, the one-off TIE Advanced X1 is one of the sportier choices of spaceships in the galaxy, designed to seat one while hitting speeds of 745mph thanks to twin ion engines.
Perhaps the icon of the dark side has plenty of no claims bonus, as the insurance cover for the x1 comes in at a not-so-extortionate £112,932 despite its performance. We think the underwriters may be worried about death by lightsabre.
Slave 1 — £169,624
Galactic bounty hunter Boba Fett inherited the Slave I pursuit vessel from his father and then used it to carry out his vigilante work, until he was knocked into the jaws of the Sarlacc by Han Solo.
Despite the high-stakes work it’s used for, the spacecraft is actually one of the more reasonable to insure in the galaxy with a £169,624 annual cost.
T-65 X-Wing Starfighter — £217,323
Fast forward a few years, and Luke Skywalker has upgraded from his little Landspeeder to the agile and performance-packed T-65 X-Wing Starfighter.
Despite few modifications, Luke’s Starfighter can be seen at the heart of many space battles and as a result, would be a high-risk vehicle for insurers — hence the £217,323 premium.
Millennium Falcon — £414,533
Perhaps the most iconic ship in the galaxy, the Millennium Falcon is the trusted steed of slick smuggler Han Solo and his Wookiee companion Chewbacca.
The heavily modified Corellian Light Freighter commands a hefty insurance premium of £414,533 — mostly because of the high-risk jobs undertaken by the duo over the years.
It does make Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan’s 17,000 Credit payment for a ride to Alderaan on the Falcon seem like quite the bargain, though.
Corellian Corvette — £4,643,460
The most expensive on this list to cover annually, the Corellian Corvette wouldn’t be an ideal choice for a young first-time spacecraft owner.
It’s one of the largest ships out there, capable of carrying up to 600 passengers, as well as packing a handful of Girodyne Ter58 high-output ion turbine engines that can take it to a top speed of 590mph — although you’ll need to charge up the Jedi credit card to the tune of £4,643,460 for annual cover.
Police are urging motorists to “think twice” following the conviction of a woman for causing death by dangerous driving while she was talking hands-free on a mobile phone.
Samantha Ayres, 34, of West Street, Horncastle, Lincs., collided head-on with a motorcycle while she was in the middle of a hands-free call. The rider, 26-year-old David Kirk, from Lincoln, died at the scene.
Lincolnshire Police temporary inspector of the serious collision investigation unit Ewan Gell told the Press Association: “Anything that distracts you from that singular act of driving, you should put it away to one side and think ‘I’m not going to do that until I’ve finished what I’m doing’.”
The family of David Kirk have issued a statement following the sentencing of Samantha Ayres to 3-years in prison for causing death by dangerous driving. https://t.co/lj3J5Eb5wVpic.twitter.com/hUml0Wc6kt
He added: “If you want to talk to somebody, want to use a mobile device or mess about with your music – in fact, anything that distracts you from doing the task in hand of driving – you should think twice about.
“We will investigate every single aspect of a crash and if that turns up, as it did in this case, evidence of a prolonged conversation and you can link that to the cause of the crash, that’s when a lot of people are going to have a problem.”
It was revealed that Ayres, a teaching assistant, had drifted across on to the other side of Baumber Road, Horsington, when the crash happened. She had been on a phone call for 27 minutes.
She was found guilty on November 29, 2017, of causing death by dangerous driving, and was sentenced today (December 6) at Lincolnshire Crown Court to three years in prison. She was also handed a four-and-a-half-year disqualification from driving.
Ayres denied prosecution claims of distracted driving, saying hitting a pothole or rut had caused her to lose control of her Ford Fiesta – although investigators found no evidence of this.
A statement from Mr Kirk’s family read: “The 7th of November 2016 changed so many lives. We lost a wonderful man, a loving husband, son, brother and the most caring father [David’s daughter] Alyssa could have wished for.”
Samantha Ayres has been sentenced today at Lincoln Crown Court to 3-years in prison after being found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving. https://t.co/9cEaTQJh7Ypic.twitter.com/XbPXmCxpjd
It continued: “People say time heals, but we all wake up every morning with the same pain we felt the day it happened, hoping it was a horrible nightmare and then having to go through another day without seeing David’s cheeky smile or hearing his voice.
“Time does not heal – we as a family are just learning how to hide our true emotions and the heartache this has caused.”
At sentencing, Judge John Pini QC said: “No words are adequate to describe the profound sense of shock, desolation, pain and loss that will remain with Mr Kirk’s family forever.
“For him to lose his life in this way is as irrational as it is unfair. Nothing I say can turn the clock back. No sentence will ever begin to make amends for his death.”
The future of the motoring world is electric – and nearly all manufacturers are working on some very exciting EVs.
Electrified vehicles won’t just save you money on fuel, but they can be quicker than even the most powerful cars on sale today.
Conventionally-powered cars are quickly losing favour throughout the world, with the reputation of diesel falling day by day. That’s not to mention consumers are clambering over one another to get in an electric vehicle.
As a result, there are more electric cars on the cards than ever before. We’ve taken a look at what’s coming up, and picked out 10 of the most interesting set to hit the streets.
Honda Urban EV
Infused with retro design cues, the Honda Urban EV concept certainly looks interesting enough to convert die-hard petrol fans into electric car lovers.
However, don’t think that this is just some show-ready concept which will never see the light of day – Honda has confirmed that a production version of the Urban EV will be available in Europe in 2019.
Nissan Leaf
The bread-and-butter of the electric car world, the Nissan Leaf is the world’s best-selling electric car. It’s a package of practicality and low running costs that has found favour with a lot of buyers – and now there’s a new one!
Capable of travelling 235 miles on a single charge, it even boasts a host of semi-autonomous assistance systems make it safer than ever. It goes on sale in the new year.
Tesla Model 3
Designed to be more affordable than any Tesla currently on sale, the Model 3 is an all-electric alternative to the likes of the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class. And it’s no slouch – Tesla claims that it’ll hit 60mph in around five seconds.
With an estimated range of 220 miles, it’s just as useable as any other Tesla on sale today – though an optional long-range battery can bump this up to 310 miles. Deliveries of the Model 3 are expected to commence in Europe next year, but the manufacturer has been plagued with production problems, so they’ll have to solve those first.
Jaguar I-Pace
This latest Jaguar SUV has been going through its final testing phases ahead of its full reveal next year. The I-Pace is all-electric, but has plenty of performance on its side – Jaguar claims it’ll hit 60mph in around four seconds.
The British manufacturer also says you’ll be able to recharge the I-Pace to 80 per cent in just 90 minutes with a high-power connection. Though only set to be revealed next year, it’s likely that the I-Pace will be on the streets shortly after.
Polestar 1
Polestar, once the performance arm of Volvo, has recently been revealed as a new standalone electric performance brand. Its first car is this – the Polestar 1.
A two-door, 2+2 seat grand tourer, it uses a hybrid powertrain for the best combination of low emissions and performance.
Unfortunately, it’s going to be a little while until we see this Polestar 1 hit the roads. The factory where it’s made in China isn’t even finished yet. However, it’s a staggeringly cool looking thing, so it’s definitely worth the wait.
Porsche Mission E
Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2015, the Mission E is the first all-electric four-seat sports car ever made by Porsche. It’s a real looker, bringing futuristic styling and next-level technology to the market.
Two electric motors combine to produce close to 600bhp, allowing it to crack 60mph in under 3.5 seconds. Porsche claims it’ll return 310 miles on a single charge. It’s expected to go on sale in 2019.
Tesla Roadster
It’s unsurprising that there’s two Teslas on this list – the company is at the forefront of electric car development, after all.
The Roadster, a progression of the very first car the manufacturer produced, has a claimed 0-60mph time of just 1.9 seconds – making it the first car to accelerate to that speed in under two seconds.
It’s also claimed to have a 620-mile range – close to double that of conventional electric vehicles. You’ve got a little while to wait before you see whether these claims can be verified – the Roadster isn’t set to arrive until 2020.
Honda Sports EV
Here’s another retro-styled electric car from Honda that took the Tokyo Motor Show by storm. It sits on the same platform as the Urban EV, making it a compact two-seater alternative.
One of the best features is its illuminated bonnet badge – something rarely used on cars. Whether or not this will carry through to the production version remains to be seen, though that’s not likely to happen until 2020.
Aston Martin RapideE
The RapideE will be the first all-electric car made by Aston Martin – a huge step forward for what is a very combustion-engine proud company.
Set to enter production in 2019, it’s going to be limited to just 155 cars, but shows an indication of the British manufacturer’s move towards electrification.
The four-door sports car’s conventional V12 engine will be replaced by an all-electric powertrain. Don’t fear it will lack performance, though. Given the crest on the front of the car, expect it to still offer a huge amount of thrills.
Mini Electric
The regular Mini has proved to be hugely popular, offering involving driving characteristics and character in spades.
Now an all-electric Mini, which uses a lithium battery for the best possible range, will be arriving in 2019. Built at the firm’s Oxford plant, the fact it looks like a conventional car could prove popular with buyers.
