The Audi TT has reached the end of the road and what a journey it’s been. I was lucky enough to attend the UK launch of the TT Coupe in Leeds in 1999 (see below), a year after it went into production and on sale in Germany and now, a quarter of a century on, production has ceased. In that time there have been only three generations of the car but it developed from Coupe to Roadster and even … [Read more...]
Newcomers from AC and Aston Martin
The stunning new AC Cobra GT Roadster has made its global premiere in London, before confirmed buyers and customers as the legendary sports car makes its sensational return. Available in left or right hand drive with up to 663ps, the 5.0V8 two seater soft-top will be limited to 250 models annually after four years of development and it’ll cost about £285,000. Aston Martin will unveil its new … [Read more...]
Anniversary edition of Mazda MX-5 roadster
As the world’s best-selling two-seater roadster enters its fourth decade on sale, Mazda UK has revealed the R-Sport special edition. Limited to just 150 examples, this stand-out MX-5 Convertible will feature free-of-charge Polymetal Grey metallic paint and a grey soft-top hood, while 16-inch RAYS gunmetal alloy wheels finish the unique exterior look of this special edition. The Polymetal … [Read more...]
Newcomers 14 February
The Aston Martin Vantage Roadster two-seater has been added to the range from £126,950. It joins the Coupe with a 4.0 litre 510ps V8 engine and 8sp automatic ZF gearbox giving 0-60mph in 3.7sec and maximum 190mph and its fabric roof operates in 7 secs. Audi is moving to make its growing EV and PHEV ranges ever more accessible through new models like the e-tron 50, which is now available … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Mazda MX5 2.0 Z-Sport
Summer is never complete for me without testing the latest Mazda MX5 roadster, writes Robin Roberts. It is arguably the most successful modern sports car and exudes excitement from its simple but clean lines and combines ability with agility so it covers the miles and makes winding country roads a delight to drive as well. It’s really no wonder it was to Mazda that Fiat turned to when it … [Read more...]
Boost for BMW UK engine plant
Engines from BMW Group’s plant near Birmingham will power the company’s latest electrified BMW i8 Roadster on sale in Britain. The Hams Hall, Midlands plant has been producing engines for the BMW i8 Coupe, the world’s best-selling hybrid sports car, since it hit the roads in 2014 and now the plant will power the new BMW i8 Roadster, as well as a new version of the i8 Coupe. Exclusively … [Read more...]
Mazda MX5 gets make-over and performance boost
Mazda is launching an update of its bestselling MX5 roadster later this year. Both soft-top and RF versions of Mazda's brand icon feature marked improvements in dynamic performance, an upgrade to Mazda's i-ACTIVSENSE safety technologies, and refinements to design and packaging, making the world's favourite roadster more exciting and satisfying to drive than ever before. Updated 1.5 and … [Read more...]