With formative memories of the post-war period, David Blunt has always had a soft spot for the Willys ‘Jeep’/ Ford GPW. Over 70 years since his first sight of one as a boy, will a hand-to-hand encounter with this wartime relic prove liberating, or require Blitz-spirit endurance?
The clumsily named Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid Coupe with GT Package is one of the most powerful road cars Porsche has ever built. This super-SUV attempts to recreate the Cayenne Turbo GT’s magic, but in plug-in hybrid form. Has the novel approach worked?
The updated 2024 Audi Q8 range marks a significant shift in performance and design. With smarter headlamp technology and a transition from diesel to petrol power in the SQ8 variant, Audi has raised the bar yet again. Curiosity lingers: is the RS Q8 still on your radar?
When size matters, does any other BMW compare with the mighty X7 SUV? And for long-distance comfort and performance, there’s the excellent xDrive40d version.
It’s not a seven-seater. It doesn’t have a massive boot. It’s certainly not a serious off-roader. And yet the AMG version of the SUV version of the EQE is actually a highly competent and often very enjoyable car. It overcomes the considerable odds of excess weight and eye-watering price to offer power and torque aplenty, giving almost eerily accessible near-supercar performance, yet also a spine-friendly ride and a feature- laden cabin. And it feels built to last. Sure, the weight does ultimately limit the car’s dynamic agility on winding and hilly roads, and its efficiency is nothing to crow about. But if you’re thinking about a BMW iX M60 or Tesla Model X Plaid, make sure you think about this too.
Have you ever wondered what influences automakers to choose the names for their different vehicles? In Maserati’s case, many of their creations are inspired by wind. For example, their newest sport utility vehicle is named Grecale and refers to a strong, cool, northeasterly Mediterranean wind that blows off the coast of southern Malta. What’s in a name, you ask? It turns out there is a lot more than many of us think.
Reinventing classic American vehicles for the modern world is big business in the bespoke American automotive market today. We get up close and personal with a stunning example of one such crafty creation: the Vigilante 1966 Jeep Gladiator…