Motoring
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Small engines, big batteries: The quiet revolution of car design
More and more cars on the road are electric, and some unusual shapes and sizes glide past silently. But what does it all mean for design?
By Guy Bird Published
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Maybach SL680: A modern motoring marvel from the marque that once catered for Maharajas and movie stars
The Maybach name has been attached to many of Germany's most luxurious cars over the last century — so does the latest iteration live up to the reputation? Simon de Burton got behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 — but only after a quick pronunciation lesson.
By Simon De Burton Published
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‘There is probably no sport in the world which is so misunderstood’: 75 years of Formula 1 according to the Country Life archive
On the 75th anniversary of the first ever Formula 1 World Championship Grand Prix, held at Silverstone Circuit, Rosie Paterson delves into the Country Life archives to look at how the magazine once spoke about motorsport.
By Rosie Paterson Last updated
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'"This things is a beast," he said. "When I say brake, brake." He didn't need to tell me twice': What happened when we sent a Country Life writer to tear round Goodwood in a 200mph Ferrari
James Fisher Goodwood’s ProDriver Experience is a chance for you to pull on a race suit and live out your childhood fantasies — no matter how tall you are.
By James Fisher Last updated
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The successor to the 'most beautiful car of the 20th century' is smooth, comfortable... and ends up highlighting everything that's wrong in car design today
The DS No. 4 traces its lineage back to the Citroën DS, a car so extraordinary that people described it as looking 'as if it had dropped from the sky'. And while the modern version is more friendly to the earth, says Toby Keel, it's also worryingly earthbound.
By Toby Keel Published
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300 laps, thousands of tires, 24 hours of non-stop racing: Up close and personal at Le Mans 2025
At this year's iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans, British car manufacturer Aston Martin returned to the race's top category — and they invited writer Charlie Thomas along for the ride.
By Charlie Thomas Published
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Ineos Grenadier: What price nostalgia?
Ineos's Grenadier is a rugged off-roader with a simple job — to go anywhere. Its simplicity and singular purpose is the foundation of its success.
By James Fisher Published
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'More of a family member than a car': 50 years of the Volkswagen Polo
Half a century? That’s a milestone for humans, never mind cars, so join us as we raise the bunting, stuff our faces with cake, and cheer for one of our favourite little memory makers.
By Matthew MacConnell Published
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‘If you’re second, you’re the first loser’: F1 Academy Champion Abbi Pulling on winning, filming with Netflix and what it will take for a woman to race in Formula 1
Last year, Abbi Pulling was the undisputed champion of F1 Academy’s second season. Now, she’s the star of a new Drive To Survive-style Netflix series.
By Rosie Paterson Published
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Aston Martin Vantage Roadster: Feel the wind, hear the roar and don't forget to have fun
Aston's latest drop-top might be the most fun you can have on four wheels.
By James Fisher Published
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London Craft Week: Rolls-Royce demonstrates the true beauty of real artisanship
A triptych of British nature scenes show that the difference between manufacturing and art is not as wide as we might think.
By James Fisher Published
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BMW X7 M60i: A car that can somehow do absolutely everything
BMW's large luxury SUV pushes the very boundaries of the possible.
By James Fisher Published
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The last ‘private’ photograph of F1 driver Ayrton Senna taken before his death goes on display in London
In a new exhibition of Jon Nicholson’s work at Connolly, Mayfair, photographs of Earth’s most glamorous — and sometimes tragic — motorsport series are displayed alongside ones of ‘quintessentially British’ banger racing.
By Rosie Paterson Published
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Lotus Emira Turbo SE: If you want to experience the last 'real' Lotus, now is the time
As Lotus goes fully electric, we take out its last petrol offering, the Emira, to see if the spirit of Chapman is still alive.
By Simon De Burton Published
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Boxy but foxy: How the humble Fiat Panda became motoring's least-likely design classic
Gianni Agnelli's Fiat Panda 4x4 Trekking is currently for sale with RM Sotheby's.
By Simon Mills Published
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Ford Focus ST: So long, and thanks for all the fun
From November, the Ford Focus will be no more. We say goodbye to the ultimate boy racer.
By Matthew MacConnell Published
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Shark tanks, crocodile lagoons, laser defences, and a subterranean shooting gallery — nothing is impossible when making the ultimate garage
To collectors, cars are more than just transport — they are works of art. And the buildings used to store them are starting to resemble galleries.
By Adam Hay-Nicholls Published