Auto Express 1774

Visit autoexpress.co.uk for all the latest new cars news THERE’S something mildly reassuring about this week’s issue, if you happen to fall into the category of ‘petrolhead’. Lamborghini has launched its most powerful normally aspirated V12 yet, in the new Revuelto supercar – then added only the mildest of hybrid assistance to end up with 1,001bhp. And sold it out for the first two years of production. Gordon Murray doesn’t even need electrical help for his latest offering, the spectacular T.33 Spider. Our second V12 supercar reveal of the week is built in the UK and will cost around £1.9million – yet around half of its 100-strong production run is already accounted for. These are both incredibly high-end vehicles, of course – but our cover star, the BMW M2, shows…

John_McIlroy@autovia.co.uk @johnmcilroy • M2-specific tuning gives new model a 50bhp power hike • Great-handling chassis is a cracker THIRD is the gear. It’s the one you hold on to, capable of taking you from 10mph all the way to 90mph (or even slightly beyond) – by which point your ears will be fizzing with six-cylinder noise and your grin will fill the space between them. If the new BMW M2 really is to be M division’s ultimate sign-off for pure-petrol power in a compact sports car package, then blimey, they’ve nailed it. Of course, nobody will confirm that this is the case. And there’s bound to be at least a hardcore M2 CSL between now and ‘the end’. But the basic principle probably holds true: just like its rivals Mercedes…

Steve_Fowler@autovia.co.uk @stevefowle • Petrol and EV models coming • Improved space and comfort THIS time next year, MINI dealers will be preparing themselves for an onslaught of all-new models coming in the space of just 12 months. Before electric and petrol Coopers replace the MINI Hatch range and the five-door electric Aceman turns up, a new Countryman arrives, and we’ve been for a ride in the first all-electric model. The car we’re in has been testing in the south of France and Sweden, and now we’re in snowy Austria alongside Countryman driving dynamics engineer Simon Krüger. Swinging open the passenger door and climbing inside the heavily disguised car, we’re struck by how much more space there is. The car has grown 130mm in length and 60mm in height; it’s easier…

Alastair_Crooks@autovia.co.uk @AllieCrooks • Brand pairs its most powerful V12 engine with PHEV tech • Combined 1,001bhp output offers 0-62mph time of 2.5 seconds LAMBORGHINI has experimented with mild-hybrid tech in a few special-edition models, but now the firm is fully embracing the kit to assist the iconic V12 engine in its new flagship supercar, the Revuelto. The replacement for the Aventador pays tribute to Lambo’s legendary line of V12 machines, stretching back 57 years to the Miura. The Revuelto’s design looks like an evolution of what’s gone before, but the significant developments come under its skin, with the most powerful V12 in the marque’s history – a 6.5-litre engine with 814bhp and 725Nm of torque – now paired to the firm’s first use of plug-in hybrid power. This PHEV system…

BMW has already confirmed it’s developing a new all-electric saloon car to sit alongside the next-generation 5 Series, which will be called the i5. But this is our first official look, ahead of its reveal in October. These new pictures from BMW show the i5’s design won’t be too different from the upcoming combustion-engined Mk8 5 Series, similar to the 7 Series and i7. The kidney grille will be a little more restrained than those found in the i4 and there’s just a single headlight cluster. Details such as flush door handles will improve the aerodynamics, along with a new seven-spoke alloy-wheel design. A plate covers the area where BMW’s classic ‘Hofmeister kink’ rear-pillar design would be expected. The charging flap will be on the driver’s side rear three-quarter panel.…

SMART is gearing up to launch the second model of its reborn era – confusingly called #3 – and the company has issued a preview ahead of the expected reveal at the Shanghai Motor Show later this month. The image shows that the #3 is a likely rival for the Volkswagen ID.4. It’s slightly larger than the #1, but should get many of the same underpinnings, including its Geely-sourced SEA platform and motor set-ups with up to 422bhp.…