Steve James

Volkswagen admits global diesel cheating, sets aside $7.3bn for repairs

Volkswagen confirmed 11 million diesel vehicles worldwide are fitted with emissions-cheating software and allocated €6.5bn to cover recalls, repairs and customer trust measures.

Modified Skoda Octavia vRS breaks 200mph at Bonneville

A specially prepared Skoda Octavia vRS has become the first Skoda to exceed 200mph, recording 202.15mph at Bonneville Speed Week in August 2011.

Renault Float wins Central Saint Martins car design competition

Yuchen Cai’s levitating ‘Float’ concept, using Maglev technology and modular connectivity, has been selected by Renault as the winning vision for a future car.

Intel and Google’s Quiet Eight-Year Autonomous Driving Partnership Revealed

A recent report has uncovered that Intel and Google have quietly collaborated on autonomous vehicle technology for eight years, explaining the advanced capabilities of Waymo’s self-driving systems.

Honda Urban EV concept previews production electric city car at Frankfurt

Honda unveiled the Urban EV concept at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, previewing a production-bound electric city car with retro-inspired styling and new platform.

Ford brings 2018 Mustang, EcoSport and Tourneo Custom to Frankfurt

Ford’s stand at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show features the facelifted Euro-spec Mustang, a refreshed EcoSport with new diesel and AWD, and the updated nine-seat Tourneo Custom.

Jaguar E-Type Zero: Classic Icon Reborn as Electric Concept

Jaguar Land Rover Classic has unveiled the E-Type Zero, a fully electric conversion of the 1968 Series 1.5 E-Type, pairing original looks with modern EV technology.

BMW M5 appears early in official videos with M Performance Parts

BMW has released official videos revealing the new M5, including a track session with M Performance Parts, weeks ahead of its commercial launch in February 2018.

2018 Ram 3500 arrives with 930 lb-ft torque and updated features

Ram’s 2018 3500 Heavy Duty truck gets a torque boost to 930 lb-ft from its Cummins diesel, updated interior tech, and a wide range of trims and body styles.

Isuzu previews D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 with 35-inch tyres and uprated kit

Isuzu has revealed key details of its new D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35 ahead of the official 1 October unveiling, including 35-inch tyres, 11-inch ground clearance and a £37,995 starting price.

Hagerty's DriveShare Turns Classic Cars into Peer-to-Peer Rentals

DriveShare, Hagerty's classic car rental platform, lets owners earn income from their prized vehicles while giving enthusiasts access to everything from Mustangs to Ferraris for special occasions or road trips.

Lexus LF-LC Hybrid Concept Stuns at Geneva Show

The Lexus LF-LC hybrid sports coupe concept, first seen in Detroit, made its European debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show with bold design and advanced hybrid tech.

Ford and DHL launch StreetScooter Work XL electric van for urban deliveries

Ford and Deutsche Post DHL Group have started production of the StreetScooter Work XL, an electric delivery van based on the Ford Transit, with 150 units on German roads by end of 2017.

BMW rejects cartel claims but recalls all Euro 5 diesels in Europe

BMW has denied involvement in alleged emissions collusion but will recall all Euro 5 diesel models in Europe to update emissions software.

Toyota and BMW to Decide Sports Car Collaboration by Year-End

Toyota and BMW will determine by the end of 2015 whether to move forward with a joint sports car project that could revive the Supra and Z4 lines.

German Carmakers Face Investigation Over Alleged Diesel Cartel

Competition authorities are examining claims that BMW, Daimler and Volkswagen brands coordinated diesel emissions technology and pricing for over two decades.

DSD Boreas: Spanish 1,000hp Hybrid Hypercar Unveiled

DSD Design & Motorsport has revealed the Boreas, a 1,000hp hybrid hypercar from Spain, with just 12 units planned and an electric-only range of 62 miles.

Volvo Trucks USA Unveils New VNL with Record-Breaking Unboxing

Volvo Trucks North America introduced its new VNL long-haul lorry with a Guinness World Record for the largest unboxing, involving a three-year-old and an 80-foot cardboard box.

No Evidence Domenicali Quit F1 or Called Vettel About His Exit

Recent reports confirm Stefano Domenicali remains F1 president through 2029, with no substantiated claims of his resignation or private calls to Sebastian Vettel.

Budget Car Owners Report Higher Satisfaction Than Luxury Buyers, Study Shows

The 2017 Auto Express Driver Power survey found Skoda and Kia owners reported higher satisfaction than many luxury brand drivers, with mainstream models topping the rankings.

Daimler breaks ground on major German battery plant

Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler has begun construction of a large lithium-ion battery factory in Kamenz, Germany, aiming to boost EV production from late 2018.

Toyota GT86 facelift brings sharper chassis and refreshed styling for 2017

Toyota’s updated GT86 arrives with revised suspension, new interior materials and subtle exterior changes, but retains its 197bhp 2.0-litre engine.

Fiat Argo launched for Brazil, with no plans for Europe

Fiat’s new Argo hatchback replaces both the Punto and Palio in Brazil, offering modern styling and new engines, but remains off-limits for European buyers.

BMW M240i M Performance Edition launches with 340hp and limited run

BMW has introduced the M240i M Performance Edition, a limited 750-unit model featuring a 340hp straight-six, distinctive carbon detailing and exclusive styling upgrades.