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This week: BMW M3 and M4 dramatically restyled, new Rolls-Royce Ghost driven, a £40 Lamborghini and much more
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3 mins read
23 September 2020

Those skeptical about BMW’s new styling direction should look away now. The German marque has revealed the new M3 saloon and M4 coupe and yes, they sport that grille.

But this isn’t the only overhaul, as the performance pair also gain a heavily reworked mechanical package delivering up to 503bhp. Buy this week’s Autocar for the full details.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

Ferrari has upgraded its entry-level Portofino, introducing a more powerful, re-engineered M variant with 612 horses. We also hear from Ferrari marketing and commercial boss Enrico Galliera, who explains the thinking behind the new model.

Meanwhile, Kia’s rollout of EVs has shifted up a gear with the confirmation of seven new models to be launched by 2027, and Land Rover has updated the Range Rover Velar with novel engines. Maserati has revealed that its MC20 supercar, unveiled earlier this year, will showcase new technology that will eventually be adopted by other FCA-PSA brands.

In perhaps the most shocking news of the week, Rimac could be gearing up to buy Bugatti from the Volkswagen Group, according to reports, with VW’s refusal to confirm or deny the sale only fuelling suspicions.

Mercedes is fully committed to expanding its Maybach sub-brand, despite the broader pressures of streamlining its wider line-up and ensuring profitability in a difficult marketplace, and Suzuki has produced a hybrid estate which heavily channels the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports.

We also take a look at the future of Saab’s storied factory in Trollhättan, Sweden. Will the Sango six-seat autonomous shuttle, which is being trialled at the plant prove successful enough to keep it in business?

In this week’s Business Section, we ask when EVs will become truly mainstream and Jim Holder explores what legislators, researchers and others can do to help push the EV take-up.

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You’d imagine that a higher roofline and four doors would hinder the BMW M3 saloon’s capabilities compared to the M4, but you'd be wrong

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Reviews

The best-selling model in the ultimate luxury brand’s history has been redesigned from the ground up for its second generation. In the first of this week’s drives, we experience the new Rolls-Royce Ghost.

Then, we assess the impact of the new Taycan on the revised Porsche Panamera Turbo S. 621bhp means it certainly doesn’t lack poke, but does it have the handling to match?

A startlingly quick roof mechanism arrives on the Aston Martin Vantage, the Suzuki Ignis Hybrid 4WD showcases improved efficiency and the Mazda MX-5 R-Sport proves again that you don’t need mountains of power to enjoy top-down driving.

The much-loved Toyota Yaris is the star of this week’s Autocar road test. The fourth-generation Yaris ups its scale and sporting quotient, but to what effect? 

Features

We kick this week off with a question - which is more important: acceleration and grip or driver engagement? Lockdown meditation only enforced Andrew Frankel’s view that driver engagement should be the first priority, and a new Caterham helps him explain why.

Meanwhile, would you want to rent a Lamborghini - yes, a proper Lambo - for £40? Of course you would, but how about if it’s just for 10 minutes? John Evans investigates.

Then, Jesse Crosse takes a closer look at the long-term viability of hydrogen power and John Evans explains why a growing band of crooks are targeting cars for their catalytic converters.

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Opinions

Steve Cropley begins his week with a tour of the Banbury race engineering firm Prodrive’s HQ, and ends with a contemplation of how broadsheets and dailies treat automotive news. Inbetween, an evening in darkest Wiltshire with a Porker provides light relief and convinces Cropley of the merits of Porsche hybrids. Elsewhere, Matt Prior has a moan about the new Nissan Z sports car, but not in the way you might think.

Deals

What are the best European brands for average reliability? James Ruppert, our resident Bangernomics expert, reveals all and plumps for a Renault Megane Coupe. Then, Mark Pearson explains why the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe quite possibly offers the best of all possible worlds in our nearly new guide. Finally, Felix Page makes the case for a 2011 McLaren 650S.

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