Autocar magazine 20 April 2022: on sale now
This week: AMG's first PHEV driven flat out, 300mph Bugatti driven, next Porsche Macan scooped and more
The new Porsche Macan EV and Audi Q6 E-tron will soon arrive as co-developed electric SUVs, each of which will serve as a spearhead for a new family of premium-orientated electric models built on an all-new architecture.
While the Porsche will be looking to build on the success of the Taycan electric saloon, the Q6 E-tron will arrive to offer an EV alternative to the ever-popular Q5.
We have the lowdown on both upcoming models, only in this week's issue of Autocar.
*News*
Audi revealed its new Urbansphere concept this week, a premium electric SUV that is set to become the firm's largest model to date. We detail its sustainability focus, and ask what it means for the prospect of a small electric Audi in the near future.
Meanwhile, Mercedes has taken the cover off the EQS SUV, a luxury electric alternative to the EQS saloon that is set to bridge the gap between Mercedes and Maybach models. We also investigate whether road-repair overcharging is inflating motor insurance, speak to Dacia about the design of its future models, and detail Honda's plans for an electric future - which includes a new NSX.
Then in the business section, we look at Alfa Romeo's production ramp-up for the Tonale, the SUV set to become the firm's most popular model, and look at how Norway has led the way when it comes to swapping ICE cars for EVs.
*Reviews*
The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S Performance 4-door coupé leads our reviews section this week. Not only is it a mouthful to say, but this PHEV fastback is AMG's most potent model to date, courtesy of a big V8 motor and electrical assistance. We head to the track to see if it's as dynamic as it is luxurious.
Elsewhere, we experience the Twisted T90 EV on UK roads. The classic Land Rover Defender restomod specialist has now delivered its first electromod, and the results are closer in feel to the ICE model than you might expect.
We also try a facelifted version of the ever-popular Ford Focus, and discover whether Adventure spec is worth shelling out for when buying a Toyota RAV4.
Then it's the turn of the Dacia Jogger to go through the demanding Autocar road test. It didn't perform too well in a recent Euro NCAP test, but is there more to this budget seven-seater?
*Features*
The 300mph-capable Bugatti Chiron Super Sport is a truly epic finale for pure-combustion hypercars from the French firm. We paid the iconic model a visit at Bugatti's home and contemplate what will come next now it has partnered with EV specialist Rimac.
Then, from 174mph in 1964 to 304mph in 2019, this week we've tracked the astonishing, unrelenting rise of supercar top speeds to prove that envelope-pushing V-maxes have never gone out of fashion.
We also ask whether big, mile-crunching oil-burners still have a vital role to play in the UK automotive landscape, by taking a diesel estate car for a typical work trip, and speak to McLaren racing boss Zak Brown about the marque's motorsport activities outside of F1.
*Opinions*
The big US road trip on a Harley Davidson motorbike - it's a cliche, for sure, but that doesn't mean it's not also a fun adventure. Matt Prior details his week on two wheels, and explains why he couldn't justify a 'bagger' bike back home in Britain.
Elsewhere, Steve Cropley rides to the Goodwood Member's Meeting in style, helming WO Bentley’s personal 1930 Mulliner-bodied 8 Litre ‘company car’ to the famous Sussex circuit.
*Used cars*
There’s almost nothing a big old Ford Mondeo can’t do. It's the fourth-generation version that caught our second-hand expert's eye this week, and makes an excellent choice in both saloon and estate forms.
This week's cult hero is the Porsche 944. It might be a far cry from that iconic flat-six, rear-engined coupé you’re thinking of, but in its heyday, this masterpiece was the most successful sports car in the manufacturer’s history, with more than 163,000 examples produced. We show you how to get a good one.
Then we turn our attention to the nearly-new market, where a Peugeot 508 makes for a fantastic buy. Easily one of the best-looking saloon/estate combos on the roads today, they also represent great value - if you shop around.
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