Four years. That’s how long until Jaguar will produce solely electric-only cars.
Jaguar Land Rover boss Thierry Bollore outlined the ambition, and further plans to offer fully electric variants of all JLR products by 2030, as part of its ‘Reimagine’ strategy.
For in-depth analysis on the plan, and why Aston Martin in particular should be worried, see this week’s magazine.
Also in this issue
The sixth-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class has also been revealed this week. S-Class interior technology is among the additions to the new mainstream model, which drops six-cylinder engines for electrified four-pot power.
Elsewhere, Gordon Murray has finally unveiled his track-only take on the recently announced T50 hypercar, which is something of a spiritual successor to the McLaren F1. Like that car, the T50S Niki Lauda is an ultra-lightweight, V12-powered weapon, although it’s not road legal.
In quieter news, but perhaps more relatable to the average driver, the Nissan Qashqai has gone hybrid-only for its third-generation, as Nissan seeks to lower its CO2 emissions and boost its green credentials. Similarly, Ford is accelerating its electrification effort as it reveals it will aim to electrify its European line-up completely by 2030.
The UK will miss out on the 385bhp five-pot Cupra Formentor, but thankfully the bold new Hyundai Ioniq 5 crossover EV will come to our shores as it spearheads a renewed push into electrification for the brand.
In this week’s Autocar Business section we investigate whether infrastructure changes could help accelerate the development of autonomous vehicles. Finally, Jim Holder, ponders what makes some subscription services, like Volvo’s, stand out from others.
Reviews
This week’s reviews begin with the more practical, (slightly) high-rise version of Porsche’s scintillating battery-powered saloon - the Taycan Cross Turismo. Although it’s in pre-production form, our testers were still able to get a taste for the finished product.
Additionally, we had a go in the restomodded Tolman Talbot Sunbeam Lotus rally car, and found an 80s rallying icon reborn and as lithe, agile and engaging as we could hope.
Then, the GTI Clubsport variant of the new Golf impresses with more oomph. Finally, it’s the road test. Will the testers be swayed by Hyundai’s i20 which turns on the style – just a little – for its third-generation VW Polo chaser?
