Autocar

Aston Martin has claimed top honors at this year’s prestigious Autocar Awards, taking home the ‘Game Changer’ award with its bold new addition to the illustrious ‘DB’ bloodline, the DB11. The award, which celebrates cars that bring new, higher standards to their classes, or defy convention in a way that brings benefit to buyers, cements the importance of DB11 to the brand’s Second Century Plan; the British marque’s ambitious challenge of launching seven key new products in the same number of years.

The Bentley Bentayga Diesel has received the Star Award at the 2017 Autocar Awards, an accolade which celebrates the cars that have managed to achieve a five-star rating during the publication’s rigorous road test. Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and CEO for Bentley Motors, comments: “The Bentayga Diesel embodies the finest craftsmanship and detail, while also demonstrating immense power and presence. Only Bentley can build a car this way, and this award is a testament to our talented and dedicated workforce in Crewe.”

Rising stars wishing to be considered for this year’s Autocar Great British Women in the Car Industry shortlist must be nominated by 3 April. Run by Autocar, in association with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and backed by Direct Line Group, Ford and Jaguar Land Rover, the aim of the event is to identify and promote the sector’s most promising female rising stars and highlight the career opportunities within the industry.

An MG sports car owned and driven during World War Two by the RAF hero Sir Douglas Bader is expected to sell for £80,000 at auction. The fighter pilot, who famously flew in the Battle of Britain despite losing both legs, was the first owner of the Midget TA Roadster. He bought it in 1938, seven years after he lost his legs, registering the open-top car to his address in upmarket Kensington, West London. The British car was powered by a 1.3-litre engine which gave it a top speed of around 80mph – an impressive speed for a 1930s sports car.   Autocar magazine tested the MG in 1937, with motoring journalists saying it gives “an unusually good performance for its engine size”. When the war broke out Bader rejoined the RAF and became one of the heroes of the […]

A bit surprising considering the competition maybe, but Autocar magazine readers voted the classic Mini ahead of McLaren F1, Jaguar E-type and the Range Rover. And there is nary an MG, Triumph or Austin Healey to be found on the list. The poll also named Norfolk-based Lotus as the most popular British manufacturer, with seven of its models making the 100 best British cars list. Autocar brand editor Chas Hallett said: “It comes as little surprise that the original Mini has topped the list of all-time British greats. “It’s such an iconic vehicle and represents a lot more than the British car industry; the Mini is associated with Great Britain around the world and, in many ways, it was ahead of its time.” He went on: “Everyone loved and still loves an original Mini. It ensured a fabulous drive every time, […]