Limited-run Super Sport models created for Guilia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio
Alfa Romeo has revealed limited edition Super Sport versions of its Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio models.
Both will be sold globally with the former limited to 275 units and the latter at 175.
The Super Sport name is a tribute to the company’s 6C 1500, which won the 1928 Mille Miglia – driven by Giuseppe Campari and Giulio Ramponi.
A variety of carbon fibre parts help to shed weight (Credit: Stellantis Media UK)
The Mille Miglia is an endurance race that runs across Italy covering just over 1000 miles, with 82 cars participating and only 40 reaching the finishing line.
The two cars both use the same 2.9-litre V6 engine that produces 527bhp and 443Nm of torque and can manage 0-60mph in 3.7 seconds for the former and 3.6 seconds for the latter while a mechanical limited-slip differential helps manage the power through the bends.
Externally, the Quadrifoglio logo has a black background, new LED matrix headlights, black brake calipers and carbon fibre door mirrors and roof – while the carbon roof is an option on the Giulia.
Sports alloy wheels are standard, with 19 inches for the Giulia and 21 inches for the Stelvio.
The interior features upgraded materials (Credit: Stellantis Media UK)
The saloon is also available with an optional livery consisting of three-layer Rosso Etna, metallic Nero Vulcano and Bianco Alfa.
Inside, there is a red carbon fibre 3D effect finished on the dashboard, centre console and door panels, while the red Super Sport logo is embroidered into the headrests on the seats with the production number located below it. The steering wheel is finished in leather and Alcantara with black stitching and carbon fibre accents.
The Super Sport takes a lighter approach than the standard Quadrifoglio, too, with the bonnet, spoiler and side skirts all made from carbon fibre and the Giulia gets an active front splitter to control airflow under the car. Both models also come with an Akrapovic exhaust system for that unforgettable soundtrack.
It’s unconfirmed how many allocations will be coming to the UK, but the Giulia will be priced at £82,815 and the Stelvio comes in at £91,835.
A survey conducted by Motorpoint’s Sell Your Car function found that we are more attached to our cars than we think.
Motorists in the UK are more in touch with cars than first thought according to a new survey.
Around 2,000 motorists were surveyed by Motorpoint with data finding that 49 per cent looked at their car as human, referring to it as a friend or companion.
Furthermore, it is clear that the UK is a nation that loves the car in general, with 28 per cent of motorists saying that they love their car.
John Wood, who heads up Motorpoint’s sell your car proposition said: “With a car being such a big purchase, it’s no surprise that motorists can view it as so much more than just a vehicle.”
First cars seem to carry the most emotion, with 41 per cent of motorists saying that they have the biggest connection with their car when they are new drivers, with the love fading the more cars they own.
A further 32 per cent of motorists would care about what happens to their car once they have sold it and 11 per cent would try and sell it to someone who would look after it and one in 10 admitted that handing their keys over would be an emotional experience.
Georgina Sturmer, an attachment and transactional analysis counsellor said: “We can’t go back in time, and that’s why it can be really hard to let go of a vehicle that has been with us through part of our life. Consider what else you can do to help yourself to separate the physical car from your emotional memory bank, like emptying it out and giving it a good clean.”
John Wood added: “My biggest piece of advice for motorists struggling with the idea of letting go of their current car would be to take your time with the process and make sure you’re really happy with the price you are getting for your current car and that you feel excited about the car you’re getting next.”
For motorists who love their vehicle, another good way of coping when the car is gone is to remember that the memories and experiences you had in it remain with you even when the car has passed on to its next owner.
With every government and politician in Europe focusing on the future of transportation, hydrogen is one fuel source which is often in the conversation.
While many car makers are transitioning and investing into a one-way street of electric powertrains, some are taking a multiple-solution strategy that could help bring vehicles into a cleaner and brighter future with one big contributor to this goal being hydrogen.
Even though things are looking up for this technology, the UK – among many other countries – is waiting to fully jump into hydrogen-powered cars. But where is the future heading for it?
Here are some of your questions answered.
How many hydrogen filling stations are in the UK?
There are currently only 16 hydrogen filling stations in the UK. (Credit: PA images/ Shell)
In September 2023, it was confirmed that there were just 11 hydrogen fuel stations located here in the UK – with only six of them open to the public. Most of them are in the South East of England.
By December 2023, there were 16 stations across the country with a further 16 projects set to open in Britain.
What cars can I buy that run on hydrogen?
The Nexo is the only hydrogen SUV on sale. (Credit: Hyundai)
In the UK, the new car market only offers two vehicles that run on hydrogen. The first and most well-known is the Toyota Mirai, which starts at £49,995 and rises to £64,200 for more luxurious versions. The Mirai is now in its second generation and is a four-door saloon that aims to be comfortable and refined.
The second car is the Hyundai Nexo, an SUV priced from £65,995 and rising to £69,495.
What investments are being made to make the fuel more accessible?
The UK is investing around £400 million over the next three years for the substance. (Credit: PA Alamy)
In December 2023, the UK government announced that 11 new production projects for hydrogen are underway and it will invest around £400 million over the next three years, creating over 700 new jobs across the whole country – with the government backing a £2 billion funding package over the next 15 years.
The goal is to produce green hydrogen through a process called electrolysis and it was confirmed that suppliers will receive a guaranteed price from the government for the clean energy they supply.
However, much of this investment looks to aid the use of hydrogen in cleaner power solutions, rather than directly for hydrogen-powered cars.
What does hydrogen fuel cell have over battery electric technology?
Electric cars have a longer waiting time when it comes to charging compared to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. (Credit: PA images)
Hydrogen fuel cell technology has several different advantages over battery electric technology.
Firstly, a hydrogen fuel cell requires just refuelling of the hydrogen tank itself which the process is very similar to filling up conventional fuel in an internal-combustion-engined vehicle. It takes just a few minutes to do and it’s a very simple process – whereas with EVs, the charging times are still a lot longer with the quickest still taking around 25 to 30 mins.
The other advantage is that a fuel cell can deliver a greater range of electricity, with the Toyota Mirai getting over 400 miles out of a tank. Electric car ranges are improving but only a handful of models – such as the Mercedes EQS – can achieve over 400 miles between charges.
What’s the difference between green, blue and grey hydrogen?
Green hydrogen is made with renewable energy such as wind and solar power. (Credit: PA images)
There are three types of hydrogen, all of which have different energy supplies and functions. The hydrogen produced from these sources can be used in hydrogen vehicles.
The first is green, which is made by using electricity from renewable sources to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen – it’s also known as carbon-free.
Blue is during the steam reforming process, a high proportion of carbon generated is captured and stored underground – this is low carbon hydrogen.
Finally, there is grey. It’s generated from natural gas or methane through the steam reforming process causing greenhouse gas emissions which is what most of today’s hydrogen is used for.
Finally, you’ve got grey. At this level, traditional fuels like natural gas or methane are used to create hydrogen – but this creates greenhouse gas emissions in the process.
But, the main focus of governments and companies around the world is to focus on producing green, because all of its processes are used through renewables such as wind and solar, which benefits the production process by lowering the overall CO2 produced to make hydrogen.
Multi-brand EV distributor says latest electric vehicle from China sets a new standard for pricing and specification.
Multi-brand EV distributor Innovation Automotive is to unveil a new electric SUV from China later this month.
The Skywell BE11 will feature ‘razor’ LED front headlights, two-tone 19-inch alloy wheels and full-width rear lights.
Inside are leather-style seats, wood-style veneer and piano-black panelling. There’s also a 12.8-inch touchscreen display, panoramic sunroof, electric tailgate, plus keyless entry and start, as well as a 360-degree around-view monitor.
Under the bonnet is a 72kWh battery pack and an electric motor that produces 201bhp and 320Nm of torque to take the BE11 from 0-60mph in 9.4 seconds.
The e-SUV has a claimed electric range of 248 miles, although an optional 86kWh lithium-ion battery gives a claimed range of 304 miles on a single charge.
There will be two battery packs on offer. (Credit: Innovation Automotive – Jonathan Becker)
It will be revealed at the Everything Electric North show in Harrogate, with sales due to start in the third quarter of this year. Prices are yet to be announced.
Skywell is a Chinese car maker that was founded by manufacturer Nanjing Golden Dragon Bus and industrial group Skyworth in 2017, and Samir Hmicho, the chairman of Cirencester-based Innovation Automotive, said: “As the UK representative of Skywell, we are delighted to be introducing the BE11 to the British public at Everything Electric North.
“The BE11 sets a new standard for specification and pricing in the mid-size e-SUV market, helping make the switch to electrification more affordable for families and individuals alike.”
The home energy and electric vehicle event is being held at the Yorkshire Event Centre between May 24 and 26.
New Convertible comes with Bentley’s W12 engine that produces 739bhp.
Bentley has shown off its new Batur Convertible, crafted by its Mulliner coachworking company.
The Batur will be limited to 16 units worldwide and features a two-door and two-seat configuration.
The interior of the Batur has a wrap-around cockpit inspired by the Bacalar Convertible. There is also Rose Gold detailing throughout the inside with the driver touch points such as the gear selector lever and start/stop button. There is also something that Bentley calls an ‘airbridge’ and ‘tapered cowls’ which is located behind the seats and harks back to the old Barchetta.
The ultimate expression of bespoke and open top luxury. Welcome to the #Batur Convertible, Coachbuilt by #Mulliner. #LiveInTheLight.
The electric roof takes 19 seconds to stow away and can be operated at speeds of up to 30mph.
All Baturs will use the most powerful version of Bentley’s W12 engine, producing 739bhp and 1,000Nm of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed double-clutch gearbox and there is also a titanium exhaust system with tips that are 3D printed in titanium, too.
Customers will be allowed to specify their Batur in any colour or finish, allowing them to create their own individual car.
The Batur has a two-seater configuration
Bentley Mulliner has collaborated with goldsmiths in the historic Jewellery Quarter of Birmingham to create unique parts – allowing customers to personalise their car even further.
It’s likely that the Batur will also be the last Bentley to use its flagship W12 engine before a new smaller V8 plug-in arrives in time for the electrified era.
There has yet to be an announcement of prices for this very exclusive Bentley, but bespoke Mulliner coachbuilt models often carry a hefty price tag.
What can be done to preserve classic icons such as the DMC DeLorean, MkII Jaguar and Aston Martin DB5?
Classic car enthusiasts are being urged to have their say on preserving iconic vehicles such as James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 and Inspector Morse’s MkII Jaguar for future enjoyment.
The government wants to gather views on how cars such as these can continue for generations and boost jobs in the £18bn classic car sector.
It has launched a call for evidence from drivers, classic car enthusiasts and the industry to share their ideas on restoring and upgrading historic vehicles to help them into the 21st century, while making road safety a priority and keeping accurate vehicle records.
The move will help shape policies that haven’t changed since the 1980s and have failed to take into account improving historic vehicles with modern technology.
The Belfast-built DMC DeLorean was featured in the famous Back to the Future films. (Credit: PA Archive – Stefan Rousseau)
Such changes could make it easier to register vehicles to fully recognise their value while protecting prospective buyers, as well as seeing classic cars modified to improve their performance and retrofitting some with electric powertrains.
Better preservation of classic cars could also help drive tourism to iconic classic car shows such as Goodwood Revival, help support jobs in the heritage car industry and boost the economy.
With 007’s Aston Martin DB5, Morse’s MkII Jaguar as well as the Belfast-built DMC DeLorean from ‘Back to the Future’ firmly embedded in popular culture, today’s call for evidence from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will let classic car enthusiasts and the motoring industry speak out about how these and other motoring icons can remain as a beacon of British excellence in the UK and around the world.
A Jaguar MKII was featured in Inspector Morse. (Credit: PA Archive- Andrew Matthews)
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “The way we restore and protect classic cars has not kept up with the times and evolving technologies, which is why we are calling for industry and enthusiasts to have their say on how to best protect these British classics for decades to come.”
DVLA Chief Executive Julie Lennard said: “As evolving technologies continue to improve the way classic, historic and rebuilt vehicles can be modified and restored, we want to ensure that we keep the policies and registration processes for these vehicles up to date.
“This is one of the many ways we are looking to make things easier and simpler for our customers, and we want to encourage enthusiasts and those individuals and organisations with a keen interest and expertise to share their views with us.”
The first quarter of 2024 has seen a 6.5 per cent increase in the used car market, which is the most successful start to a year in five years.
The used car market has grown by 6.5 per cent this year with nearly two million units sold in the first quarter, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Despite the growth, it is still down by 2.6 per cent pre-Covid levels but steady growth in the last 16 months shows that the used market is on the up.
An increase in battery-electric vehicles meant that in the first quarter of this year, demand for EVs was up more than two-thirds with 41,505 sold – holding a record market share of 2.1 per cent. EVs were also the fastest-growing powertrain in this sector, according to the SMMT.
Hybrids were up by 49.3 per cent with 74,502 cars exchanged while plug-in hybrids also grew by 42.5 per cent with 22,065 vehicles sold overall.
Conventional powertrains are still the most popular among buyers with petrol cars rising by 7.7 per cent with 1,130,396, while diesel was on the decline, falling by 1.3 per cent at 697,718.
However, combined, internal-combustion-engined cars equated to a total market share of 92.9 per cent giving a total of 1,828,114 units sold.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive said: “A reinvigorated new car market is delivering more choice and affordability for used car buyers and, increasingly, they are choosing to go electric.”
He added: “To enable even more drivers to enjoy the benefits of zero emission motoring, ensuring both supply and demand remains robust is essential. Incentivising new EV uptake and investing in a chargepoint network that is accessible, available and affordable to all drive the nation’s net zero transition.”
Superminis remained the most popular vehicle type with 640,711 units sold – an increase of 7.2 per cent – with the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa the most popular models in the first quarter of 2024 with 80,814 transactions for the former and 66,821 for the latter.
Genesis has unveiled a new dog-carrying concept which integrates some of the firm’s luxurious features into a place for your four-legged friend to travel.
The Genesis X Dog Concept – fitted to the Korean firm’s Electrified GV70 – utilises the EV’s on-board electric supply and vehicle-to-load technology to power a variety of pooch-pampering tools, such as a built-in electric shower and hairdryer. Even the bed itself is heated.
The whole bed area is heated
Revealed at the Genesis Studios site in Battersea, the concept dog accessory also incorporates a fold-down ramp crafted from aluminium and carbon fibre telescopic tubes to keep it as light as possible. Once in place, it gives a dog easier access to the back of the car.
Once inside, they’re able to relax on a fully-padded dog cushion while ambient lighting is used to cast a variety of colours over the area. Genesis has also integrated a personalised leather dog collar and matching safety harness to ensure that any dog is safe while on the move.
At the side is stowed a shower and dryer
The outside of the ‘module’ is coated in quilted vegan leather to match the interior of the car itself while non-slip surfaces are used across the bottom area of the pod. The whole module can be removed entirely at any time to free up extra boot space if required, too.
The concept dog bed will be on display at the Genesis Studio Battersea from May 9 to 21, before moving to the brand’s studio in Westfield from May 22 to June 5. Each studio will be set up to cater for dogs, too, bowls and dog beds ready for four-legged visitors.
The Suzuki Ignis and Toyota Aygo were among the top 10 best-performing models, too.
The Toyota Yaris Cross has come out on top in a recent test to see how a car performs efficiency-wise against claimed manufacturer consumption figures.
What Car put a series of the latest vehicles through its Real MPG fuel economy testing procedure to see how close they would come to their claimed efficiency. It was the Toyota Yaris Cross which performed the best, posting a real-world MPG of 60.1, just 4.14 per cent less than the 62.7mpg claimed by the manufacturer.
In fact, Toyota has three vehicles within the top 10, with its Yaris Cross, standard Yaris and Aygo X all coming close to their claimed consumption figures. Suzuki’s Ingis, meanwhile, took third place with a real-world score of 59.9mpg against a claimed figure of 56.9mpg.
What Car’s Real MPG tests were conducted under laboratory conditions, but based on a real route which looks to replicate a mixture of driving.
At the other end of the efficiency scale came Audi’s V8-powered S8, which posted a real-world MPG of 21.7mpg – some way shy of the official 24.6mpg claimed by the German brand. The Ford Ranger Raptor, meanwhile, recorded a consumption figure of 24mpg against its claimed 20.4 – meaning that not all models fell shy of their official figures.
Audi’s S8 had one of the highest consumption figures
Steve Huntingford, What Car? editor, said: “Our Real MPG tests give new car buyers an accurate indication of the likely efficiency of currently available models. While many factors come into play when choosing a new car, efficiency is undoubtedly one of the most important considerations for motorists given the high price of fuel.
“The broad spectrum of models included in our list of the best and worst performers shows that efficiency ratings aren’t necessarily dependent on a vehicle’s size, category or even price – and two of the vehicles in our top 10 even exceeded their official figures, which shows the importance of thoroughly researching your next new car.”
It’s not long ago that Mercedes revealed the CLE53 in Coupe form, now just in time for summer we have the Cabriolet version, too.
Mercedes has revealed its latest drop-top with the CLE53 Cabriolet, which arrives to go alongside its Coupe sibling.
Under the bonnet is a 442bhp 3.0-litre turbocharged in-line six-cylinder that has been tweaked to give 560Nm of torque or 600Nm on overboost. The performance stats differ if you spec the car with the AMG Dynamic Plus Package, with the standard 0-60mph time of 4.2 seconds improving to 4.0 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph increased to 174mph.
It comes as standard with a 48V mild hybrid system. (Credit: Mercedes-Benz Media)
The new Cabriolet also comes with a 48V mild-hybrid system that gives an extra 23bhp and 205Nm of torque.
A standard all-wheel-drive system helps the car stay planted and stable throughout the corners and there are also five different driving modes including Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual.
The exterior features the traditional AMG A-shaped radiator grille, larger air intakes, a wider track with flared front and rear wheel arches and standard 20-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, there is a 12.3-inch digital driver display and an 11.9-inch central display – which can be angled more towards the driver from 15 to 40 degrees. The dashboard also features nappa leather and there are chrome accents throughout the cabin.
Cabriolet time and the livin’ is easy. Meet the all-new Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet. #MercedesAMG#AMGPremiere#CLE53
Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet | Energieverbrauch kombiniert: 9,8-9,6 l/100 km | CO₂-Emissionen kombiniert: 223-217 g/km | CO₂-Klasse: G pic.twitter.com/6wApnfOGZd
There are optional AMG Performance Seats that also come with thicker bolsters as part of the AMG Pro Performance Pack.
Prices have not been revealed yet for the Cabriolet version of the CLE53, however, we expect a price hike compared to the Coupe’s starting price of £73,000.
