Motoring News

LONDON MOTOR SHOW SET TO RETURN IN 2021

The London Motor Show has announced its return in 2021 with a three-day event in Battersea Park.

Following a run of annual shows between 2016 and 2019, the show has taken a year off in 2020, but will return next year between July 16-18.

The show will focus on technology, electric and hybrid vehicles and luxury brands, with classic cars and more affordable city cars also represented. For the first time, there will also be motorsport and motorcycle areas for the first time.

Organisers say visitors will be able to get up close to the vehicles on display, as well as interact with companies showcasing new technology, such as those related to safety, electric powertrains or driverless cars.

Displays will also include virtual reality racing and the chance to meet motoring legends and influencers.

Alec Mumford, chairman of The London Motor Show, said: “The last four years of shows exceeded all our expectations. The event has been a continuing success for both us as organisers and our exhibitors. “We are very much looking forward to welcoming new and returning visitors and exhibitors alike to Battersea Park in 2021 where we already have some very special exhibits lined up.

“The current global situation has shown us what we need to do to prepare for any

eventuality and we have factored scalable measures into our plans that enable us to incorporate any necessary guidelines into the show. We have the benefit of a big space in a greenfield site with plenty of room and designed the show so that everyone can get the best experience out of their visit”.

TDF-1 LAUNCHES AS A FORMULA ONE CAR YOU CAN BUY YOURSELF

Ever fancied owning your own F1 car? Thanks to engineering firm TDF, that’s now a possibility.

The UK-based firm has launched the TDF1, taking a 2011 Marussia or 2012 Sauber F1 chassis and associated mechanicals and slotting its own 1.7-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine in the back.

That does replace the 2.4-litre V8s that were once found under the skin of these race-proven chassis, but TDF-1 says the new powerplant is aimed at making the package easy to run independently rather than with a team of mechanics. Better still, it develops 600bhp - so this is no slouch. Each TDF-1 weighs just 600 kilograms too, resulting in a power-to-weight ratio of 1,000bhp-per-tonne - more than 250bhp-per-tonne than that of a Bugatti Veyron Super Sport.

One thing carried over from the race-spec cars is the Drag Reduction System (DRS). This could be used in a Formula One race at the time on-demand for improved lap times by opening a flap in the rear wing to reduce drag. TDF has reengineered the system slightly, still allowing the driver to use it command though the system will automatically close if it senses a sudden steering input, throttle lift or application of the brakes to ensure the car is not unsettled. Its tyres are provided by official Formula One supplier Pirelli too, giving a more Grand Prix-ready feel to the package.

Buyers of a TDF-1 will also be offered a comprehensive driver training course to allow them to learn the insides and out of the car before heading out on track. Coaching will be provided by Jessica Hawkins, who currently competes in the W Series.

No pricing has been confirmed, though expect the TDF-1 to cost many, many pounds.

5 OF THE BEST NEW CARS FOR TOWING A CARAVAN AROUND THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Thinking of using a car for towing? These are the best ones for the job

As lockdown measures continue to ease and people are beginning to be able to travel further afield again, it’s likely that more drivers will be looking to tow.

Whether it’s a caravan, boat or trailer - or anything else in-between - having the right car for the job is essential when it comes to towing.

Here, we’ve taken into account the maximum braked trailer towing capacity. However, always check both the kerbweight of the car you’re using to tow with, as well as the weight of the caravan. For safe towing, it’s usually recommended to only pull a caravan which weighs 85% of the tow car’s total kerbweight. Be extremely careful if towing a caravan which exceeds this 85% rule.

We’ve been through the latest models, to see which cars are the very best for towing. Let’s take a look...

1. Volvo XC40 D4 Volvo’s stylish XC40 won the Towcar of the Year award for 2020, so it’s only fitting that it kicks this list off. Capable of towing up to 2,100kg of braked trailer, the XC40 is just as practical as it is good-looking.

An optional retractable towbar means you don’t need to disturb the car’s clean lines when you’re not hauling, while the interior’s solid fit and finish should mean it’s up to the task for any adventure. It isn’t overly large either, which means that when not towing, it’s relatively easy to park and position.

2. Volkswagen Touareg The Volkswagen Touareg is a big, luxurious, high-riding SUV, which is capable of wolfing up hundreds of miles without a moment’s hesitation. It also - handily enough for this list - is excellent at towing.

It’s able to tow up to 3,500kg of braked trailer, and a silky-smooth turbocharged six-cylinder diesel engine makes it a refined way of getting about.

3. Jaguar I-Pace If you’re looking to tow, then an electric vehicle might not immediately spring to mind. However, Jaguar’s I-Pace was designed to be capable of towing from the off, putting it in line with the firm’s goanywhere mentality.

As a result, it’ll tow up to 750kg. We’ll admit that it’s certainly on the lighter end of the scale, but it’s still admirable from an EV.

4. Skoda Kodiaq The Kodiaq is an excellent, well-valued choice in the seven-seater segment. Not only is it immensely practical but it’s also well priced, packing plenty of on-board technology and a vast suite of standard equipment.

Plus, a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine helps the Kodiaq to deliver a braked towing capacity of 2,000kg. Despite this loadlugging ability, the Kodiaq CO2 emissions are impressively low - just 151g/km.

5. Land Rover Discovery The Land Rover Discovery is a mammoth of the road, providing a luxurious, highend driving experience for all on board. It’s also packed with off-road technology and a variety of features which help it to keep going even when things get tough.

It’s impressive when it comes to towing too, thanks to a braked trailer rating of up to 3,500kg - which means it’s got more than enough pulling power for most occasions.