• Honda Civic. Picture: HONDA EUROPE

  • Ferrari GTC4 Lusso. Picture: NEWSPRESS UK

  • Ford Fiesta ST. Picture: NEWSPRESS UK

  • Stephan Winkelmann. Picture: NEWSPRESS UK

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4

Related articles

Jaguar plugs in

While Jaguar was busy launching the new XF in SA, clever people were digging through pages of patent files to discover that Jag is planning to launch a range of electric vehicles (EV). A little late to the electric party (if you exclude concept vehicles), it looks likely that the company will unveil its first EV at the Paris Motor Show later this year. That will probably be called the I-Pace and could be followed by the I-Type. Not surprisingly, the former will be based around the new F-Pace SUV that arrives in SA this year, but the I-Type is a bit trickier to predict. It could be an electric version of the F-Type to take on Porsche’s Mission E, or it could be a new model altogether.

Rumours are that Jag will try to get its I-models to market ahead of some major rivals which could see them on sale internationally in 2018. It is also possible that the company will resurrect its plug-in hybrid programme, which while it died publicly, has continued internally at Jaguar Land Rover.

Still on the subject of alternative powertrains and it looks as though someone in a white coat has been allowed to leave the lab in Maranello to visit the patent office for Ferrari. The company has also filed patents for a new hybrid system which could debut in either the new Dino or the next generation of the F12 Berlinetta.

Ferrari has already dabbled in the hybrid realm with its hypercar, the LaFerrari, but now it looks as though it could be planning to bring its tech more into the mainstream, or as mainstream as a Ferrari could be.

Ferrari looking sharp

Still with the Prancing Horse and the company has shown the first images of its new GTC4 Lusso, the replacement for the FF. The new name appears to reflect the fact that no-one really liked the rather uninspired FF moniker, with the company choosing something far more grandiose for its updated four-seater. The GTC4 (above) gets sharper lines, particularly at the rear, as well as a much improved interior with more luxury. It will be shown at the Geneva show next month.

Also set to be revealed in Geneva is the new Honda Civic hatch (below). Currently the company has only shown a teaser image with almost no information, but we expect Honda to finally adopt some turbocharging for its regular hatches in the same way as it has for the Type-R. Fans of the Civic hatch can expect it to go on sale in 2017.

Two joining the Q

It’s great to see teaser images coming out, rather than all of the info, ahead of a motor show. Audi is also being a tease with its new Q2, choosing only to release a few images on its official blog sites of the car under a sheet. The images give little away except for the dramatic LED daytime running lights and a more upright grille similar to that of the latest Q7. The new model sits on the platform of the A3 which does still leave the door open for the company to follow it up with a Q1.

Ford in a party mood

If it is performance in a small package that you are after then Ford might have the answer. The company has injected some serious adrenaline into its performance division with models such as the GT and new Focus RS. However, rumour has it that the company is also looking at a more potent version of its Fiesta ST (below), likely to be called the Fiesta ST Plus. Ford shelved the idea of a Fiesta RS some years ago sadly, but the Plus could appease those wanting more power but unable to shell out for the Focus.

Get on the wagon

As you read this, Volvo is unveiling its new V90 estate. The company has been producing station wagons for more than 60 years and it is very good at it. Just think of the fantastic 850R that used to race in the British Touring Car Championship. The new S90 sedan is heading to SA later this year and we got a look at it in Stockholm recently, so being fans of the estate car we are keen to see what Volvo has managed to achieve with the V90.

CEO on the move

Finally some news on a bloke that is as famous for his pointy shoes as he is for his supercars. We are talking about Stephan Winkelmann, CEO of Lamborghini (above). After being in charge at Lambo since 2005, he is heading to Germany to head up Audi’s Quattro division. During his time4 he oversaw the introduction of the Gallardo, Aventador and Huracan, as well as spearheading projects such as the Urus SUV and the Asterion four-seater concept.