And the fastest car in the world is a Bugatti (again)
Meet the Longtail Chiron, the world’s fastest supercar.
It managed to smash the 300mph mark and went onward to 305mph – that’s 490kph, at the Ehra-Lessien test track in Germany. But it only went one way? Yes, sadly. Bugatti made the unpopular decision to only run the Chrion in one direction. To qualify for a Guinness World Record under the current rules, requires making two attempts – one in each direction – and taking the average of these speeds.
So, what went wrong here? Well apparently, the Ehra-Lessien circuit has asphalt graded for one direction only, the grain of the surface becomes dangerous in the other direction. Sigh. So at least for now, the Koenigsegg Agera RS remains the world record holder as the world's fastest production car. It did this with a two-run average of 277.9 mph (444.6 kph) on a closed stretch of Route 160 in Nevada.
Still… 490kph folks.
The most powerful Lamborghini ever is a hybrid
It’s the Sián, a V12 hybrid supercar north of 600kW and a zero to hundred of 2.8 seconds.
"The Sián is a masterpiece in possibilities," says Stefano Domenicali, Automobili Lamborghini Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Not only does the Sián deliver a formidable hyper-car design and engineering tour de force today, it augments the potential for Lamborghini as a super sports car brand for tomorrow and for decades to come", this at a time when the performance world sees hybridization as desirable and essential than ever.
The Sián then becomes the Italian firm's first big step in towards electrification. Its name means 'flash or lightning', fitting. Stefano adds "With the Sián, Automobili Lamborghini demonstrates its dynastic strength as a legendary super sports car brand for the future."
The Porsche Taycan Turbo S is officially here
And it comes with 560kW and 1050Nm, has a top speed of 260kph and an unreal zero to hundred in 2.8 seconds. It also features a range exceeding 412-450km and speaking of ranges, the rest of the Taycan line-up is looking equally impressive with the Taycan Turbo and regular Taycan.
With Turbo in this case referring to their performance credentials rather than the presence of an actual turbocharger since there’s no engine here after all. So that’s Tesla and its Model S, the gold standard, now presumably shaking in its boots? Only somewhat, since the cheaper car (the Tesla) can do the 0-100kph in 2.4 seconds.
The Taycan is of course Porsche’s first fully electric car, ditto sports car and pretty much supercar too. Styling is familiar by now thanks to a lengthy internet gestation - that’s a Stormtrooper with crying eyes for lamps and a bold LED bar at the back, on a shell that’s more 911 than Panamera.
We’re happy to have you, Taycan.
The new Nissan Juke
Ten years, that’s how long it has been since the original ‘funky Nissan’ was unveiled.
It was pure Marmite – people loved it or hated it, me – I liked it. With its alien aesthetic and B-Segment dimensions I think it had great potential, one million buyers agreed. So, I’m glad to see that there is a new kid on the block.
This one looks better – Nissan’s designer’s haven’t played it safer this time, I think the world has just caught up with over-the-top styling. Ponz Pandikuthira, Nissan Europe vice president, product planning had this to say, "Nissan JUKE is back with its unique identity, even more character, exciting performance and advanced technology that responds to driver needs."
Let's hope the new design translates into a more exciting driving experience, not that its predecessor was boring, especially in turbocharged spec. The new car comes with an efficient 1.0-litre three-cylinder DIG-T turbo petrol engine with 87kW. So, no firecracker - but we're hoping for a fierier derivative in the wings. You can however expect improved fuel economy and refinement, driving modes (Eco, Standard, Sport), and transmission options between a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch (DCT) paddle-shift.
The official images of the Honda E are in
We’ve been teased with this one for a while in concept, but here it is at least.
The E is Honda’s biggest step in its mission to electrify ALL of its cars by 2025, a cute as heck hatchling with clean lines, modern cabin and a clever powertrain. There’s also machine learning AI, great performance from its 113kW/315Nm motor, and a 220km range – with 80% of that replenished in just 30 minutes thanks to fast charging.
Out next year. Nifty.
