Splashed across the front page of Autocar magazine this week is what we think Tesla’s upcoming Model Y compact SUV will look like. Pre-production prototypes are set to hit the road in the coming months, with company boss Elon Musk predicting demand for the 2020 model to be “50% higher” than the best-selling Model 3 electric saloon. Can Tesla learn from 2018’s mistakes and produce a competent alternative to rivals from Audi, Mercedes-Benz and BMW?
Equally groundbreaking is Ford’s new Focus ST which, with 276bhp and technology borrowed from its more powerful Mustang and GT siblings, is claimed to deliver “the most responsive and agile Focus ST driving experience ever”. Ford Performance is confident about the hot hatch’s ability to switch seamlessly from pocket rocket to comfortable tourer, so how will it fare against the 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI?
Elsewhere, we take a look at Rolls-Royce’s plans to launch a new generation of the Ghost luxury saloon in 2020. Evolutionary design elements and an all-new spaceframe platform are among the model’s confirmed upgrades as it takes the fight to Bentley’s Flying Spur.
Another British manufacturer looking to strengthen its position against its competitors is McLaren. CEO Mike Hewitt has spoken to Autocar about the firm’s plans for a stand-alone GT model and, perhaps, a four-seater. We tell you everything we know ahead of an official announcement at next month’s Geneva motor show.
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RCT V
The original svelte and elegant CLS
As usual, this week's edition (dated 04APR2018), is a very good read, and well worth the investment. The road test of the eighth generation of Roll-Royce Phantom - with its "mahogany panelling" - illustrates that moneyed wealth, should NOT be confused with good-taste!
The sales pitch for next week's issue (to be dated 11APR2018), whets our appetite with the Used Buying Guide . . . "Mercedes-Benz CLS. Can't afford the new one? Then read our guide to Merc's original style icon".
The original CLS certainly was a style icon, with all the svelte elegance of a Parisian - or Italian - chic designer item.
That streamlined elegance was lost when the original's "facelift" incorporated the bluff, Teutonic, more upright, corporate Mercedes radiator grill.
The new, current, incarnation of the CLS (page 29, of this week's magazine), shares all the style, delicacy, and substantial "presence" of a rugby prop forward! It is not a case of "Can not AFFORD the new CLS?". More a question of why would anyone wish to purchase such a vulgar and brutish vehicle?
It is (again) a reminder that the ownership of wealth, is NOT the same as the possession of good taste.
RCT(V)
289
@ RCT V
....totally agree!
pioneerseo
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