+++ ALPINE will follow up its new electric A110 sports car with a new 2+2 designed to go head-to-head with the legend that is the Porsche 911. Likely to be called Alpine A310, resurrecting the name of the brand’s seventies coupé, the car will utilise the same advanced APP (Alpine Performance Platform) underpinnings as the smaller A110. Crucially, Alpine CEO Philippe Krief sees the A310 model range eventually expanding to mirror the broad scope of the 911’s. The larger car will offer 4-seater practicality, with the closely related but more focused new A110 sitting below to mirror the role of the Porsche Cayman. Krief explained the scale of Alpine’s ambition: “The market for sports cars is roughly 360.000 units worldwide, flat for 20 years now. The Germans have almost all of it! Of course, Porsche is up there and we are just starting out, but we would like to take a little piece of the cake”. He continued: “This 2+2, even if it will remain in relatively low numbers, is something a little less exclusive, less extreme than the A110. BMW M4 or Porsche 911 are sports cars, but they open it up a little bit because you can have 2 others in the back and you can travel in a little more space”. Following the new electric A110 and its Spyder soft-top derivative in 2027, the rear-wheel-drive Alpine A310 electric coupé is set to launch in 2028 and will also be followed by a Spyder convertible. The versatile APP architecture, however, allows scope for further range expansion beyond that. All-wheel drive and internal combustion powertrains in both mild and plug-in hybrid form are possible and on the radar for Alpine, even if any combustion cars are ultimately focused on markets outside Europe, should Alpine take the decision to enter them. “We’re putting a lot into the first car, but already thinking about what will come later”, said Krief. “Rear wheel drive, that’s for sure, but also a four wheel drive version. Some markets that are less mature in the transition to electric power. APP gives us the opportunity to also offer a different powertrain in those markets if needed. So I don’t see it as a risk for the EV strategy. We are targeting exclusivity, and I see it as an opportunity to gain a foothold in other markets or find other kinds of customers. “With the APP platform, we have to be ready. If there is demand for hybrid, we have the flexibility to react”. The A310 and A110 tag team will also underline Alpine’s commitment to the sports car format at a time when many rival manufacturers are cautious about investing in the sector. Alpine is convinced that the transition to electric power can be achieved without major compromise on the brand’s lightweight, emotional ethos, a conviction that the A290 and A390 EVs would seem to support. The current combustion-engined A110 is among the lightest new cars on sale at just over 1.100kg, but the APP platform is designed to allow electric power to be integrated while keeping weight gain to a minimum for that crucial Alpine agility on the road. In terms of performance, we can expect a significant upgrade from Alpine’s new EV range. The A390 offers up to 480 hp and a giant 810 Nm of torque with its tri-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain, and while this car rides on a modified version of the platform used by Renault in the Megane and Scenic, its clever torque-vectoring motor technology could well make an appearance in the all-wheel-drive A310. In a lighter car, the 3.9-second 0-100 kph acceleration time of the A390 GTS would be significantly reduced, so something around three seconds could be on the cards from an AWD A310. Alpine has elaborated on its 3-spoke range structure, explaining that the ‘10’ suffix indicates focused sports car models dubbed ‘Iconic’, and ‘90’ (as in the A290 hot hatch and A390 coupé-SUV) signifies more mainstream propositions grouped together as ‘Versatility’. The third spoke is for special series cars that leverage the brand’s motorsport know-how and is known internally as ‘Exclusive’. These are heavily modified limited production cars offering a new level of performance, such as the Alpine A110 R Ultime. This planned range structure opens up intriguing possibilities for Krief and his team to make full use of the technologies they have developed in the pursuit of Alpine’s driver-focused ethos. “It would be a series of cars where we can put the A110’s platform to work to do extreme things, not just design but using the platform for something special”, he explained. “I don’t want to offer exactly the same kind of car because it would only be a design exercise. But starting from that base and pushing the boundaries with the powertrain for that lower volume model, that would be feasible, both for electric and ICE. Like we did in the Ultime; we added more power, we changed the gearbox, changed the chassis completely, the aerodynamics. These could be electric cars, could be ICE, could be hybrid. There’s a huge opportunity once you get a new platform and a branch of powertrains”. As such, the ‘Exclusive’ segment of the Alpine range may eventually be home to hardcore versions of the A310 and A110, possibly with Ultime badging, that could rival Porsche’s track-focused GT and RS model lines. Intriguingly, Renault’s extreme and super-limited Renault 5 Turbo 3E hot hatch also uses Alpine’s APP platform. That car integrates electric motors inside the rear wheels for an output of nearly 550bhp. That unique configuration could also be open for use by Alpine in a future that seems full of possibilities. +++
+++ Toyota recently introduced a new luxury sub-brand above Lexus, dubbed CENTURY . Named after the luxurious Century sedan that’s been on the Japanese market for more than 50 years, Toyota’s new ultra-premium brand promises an entire line of posh people movers designed to take on the likes of Rolls-Royce. Best of all, they will have gas engines. In a recent interview, Toyota confirmed that its Century models will have combustion engines. Toyota powertrain president, Takashi Uehara, said that the company has “not actually decided which kind of engine will be installed”, but that “yes, it will have an engine”. Exactly what engine could the company use? Still unclear. But Toyota does have several compelling options to choose from. One possibility is Toyota’s new hybrid 4-cylinder engine. The company is reportedly targeting around 400 hp, with executives saying that “600 horsepower is easily possible”. That powertrain pairs a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with battery assist. A more likely candidate is Toyota’s upcoming hybrid V8, expected to debut in the GR GT supercar and its Lexus sibling. Toyota has already confirmed the V8 will serve more than just sports cars, potentially appearing in future trucks, SUVs, and Century models. Output is rumoured to exceed 900 hp. As for a potential V12 revival, there have been whispers of a new 12 cylinder engine for the Century range; a nod to the second-generation Century sedan, which offered a V12 from 1997 to 2017. However, most of these rumours appear unfounded, so expectations should be tempered. Still, Toyota’s commitment to combustion power for its Century brand is promising. The first models are expected to hit the road within the next 2 years, though it remains uncertain whether any will come to the US. Here’s hoping. +++
++ If you’re still struggling to think of stuff for your Christmas list, and have been a particularly good petrolhead this year, may we suggest this jaw-dropping carbon fibre V8-powered remaster of the iconic LOTUS ESPRIT S1 ? It’s called the Series 1 and was created by Essex-based company, Encor, whose team has experience working for brands such as Porsche, Pagani, Aston Martin and Koenigsegg. If that’s not enough, the firm’s head of design, Daniel Durrant, was the man responsible for the staggering Lotus Emira. “The S1 Esprit was forward-thinking, pure and utterly uncompromised”, said Durrant. “To touch a shape like this is a huge responsibility. Every line we’ve refined, every decision we’ve made, is about honouring the original’s intent while letting the car perform, feel and function the way its silhouette always promised”. The later Esprit V8 serves as the donor for the Encor Series 1, with its chassis, engine and transmission retained, but heavily reworked. For instance, the 3.5-litre twin-turbo V8 (which was designed in-house by Lotus) gets forged pistons, upgraded injectors, new turbochargers, an electronic throttle body, modern fuel and cooling systems and an all-new stainless exhaust. This ensures better driveability and, naturally, higher performance, with the engine now producing about 400 hp and 475 Nm of torque. Because the Series 1 weighs less than 1.200 kg, 0-100 Kph is expected to take just 4 seconds and the top speed is 280 kph. The 5-speed manual gearbox, meanwhile, has received a stronger input shaft, revised ratios, a helical limited-slip differential and a bespoke twin-plate clutch, which Encor claims has given it a precision and durability the original could never deliver. After being completely stripped and refinished, the chassis is fitted with Bilstein shock absorbers and Eibach springs from the most extreme Esprit, the Sport 350, and behind the billet-machined wheels are AP Racing brakes. But for all the modern components and engineering, the Series 1 still uses hydraulically assisted steering rather than an electric set-up, as Encor wanted to deliver the tactile driving experience expected from a Lotus. The company says the Series 1 was created “with the sole aim of preserving and elevating one of the most recognisable automotive forms ever created”, based around a philosophy that it describes as “respectful enhancement”. There is no mistaking this Series 1 for anything else (except, perhaps, a submarine), with the wedge shape of Giugiaro-designed icon carefully massaged and refined in places. Yes, there are pop-up headlights, but fans of the original might notice that the two-piece mould line which ran along the side of the old car has been removed to create a cleaner look, and because it wasn’t necessary thanks to the new carbon fibre body. The cockpit-like interior has also been tastefully and respectfully modernised, with tartan upholstery for the gorgeous bucket seats, a wooden gear lever, T-shaped centre console now made from carbon fibre and two large displays for all the modern conveniences you would want, including Apple CarPlay. The infotainment, climate control and camera systems were all developed in-house by another British company, Skyships, and were designed to be integrated discreetly, so as not to disturb the analogue-focused nature of the Series 1. “This car is analogue at heart”, said Encor co-founder Simon Lane. “We wanted to avoid the modern tendency toward gadgetry, therefore the technology exists to enhance the experience, not to dominate it”. Encor says it will only make 50 examples of the Series 1, which can be individually commissioned by customers around the world. Prices start from 500.000 euro, but that doesn’t include taxes, options or the required donor Esprit V8, so customers will probably be paying well over half a million quid for this wedge of perfection. Deliveries are due to begin next summer and will continue through 2027. +++
+++ NISSAN is hard at work putting together an all-new X-Trail which is set to debut in 2027. The plan was revealed by CEO Ivan Espinosa, then further clarified by head of design Alfonso Albaisa, and the model’s importance cannot be overstated, as it will compete in the single largest market segment against 2 of the world’s highest selling cars, the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. The X-Trail is a family-sized SUV that sits in the range above the big-selling Qashqai and Juke. The current, 4th-generation model has been on sale since 2021, but compared to the more rugged first 2 generations, it hasn’t enjoyed quite so much success. In reaction to this, Nissan is fast-tracking an all-new model to market in order to do battle with its recently updated key rivals which continue to outperform the X-Trail in sales. Albaisa told: “The trick with the X-Trail is the functionality of that car leading the segment. The roominess is a nice balance for its size. But the current X-Trail, you can argue that it’s been around a while. It’s lost its punch and so the exercise with the forthcoming model was to respect the functionality with the last generation, but to bring more wow and more spice, because people are reacting to things that look a bit more different”. As such, I expect the general package to remain largely the same size as it is now, with a 5-seat or 7-seat interior and a focus on practicality. This core deliverable will then drive the exterior design, but do so in a way that delivers a more distinctive model than is the case at present. Albaisa continued: “You’re going to see a bit more edginess. I don’t mean form, but it does include form. It’ll be a little more outstanding in the design itself. We’ve been playing with textures a lot, and it has an outstanding character”. Given that rugged styling is becoming increasingly popular (and with Nissan having introduced it to the class on the original model), expect the new X-Trail to feature a more blocky look, but without losing the sharp, contemporary Nissan design language seen on its other current models. Albaisa confirmed: “It’s a bit more boxy than today, but has a futuristic expression. I have to stop before I start drawing you the car!” But practicality won’t be the only thing driving the new X-Trail’s design. Albaisa continued: “I think you can do rugged, but the refinement has to be quite high. The original looked much purer and with more intention than its rivals at the time. All of the cars in this segment have become a lot better, but the new X-Trail will continue to have e-Power, so that’s big. That new generation of e-Power is able to do the world well”. Inside, we can use the new Leaf as a reference point, as Nissan has invested heavily in its new Google-based dual-screen digital interface. This will largely shape the dashboard architecture, but as with the RAV4 and CR-V, I expect the fitment of some physical controls, as well as rugged materials and flexible seating arrangements. The current N-Trek’s waterproof upholstery will also drive future trends in colour and trim options. What the new X-Trail won’t have, though, is an all-electric powertrain, as the company has plans for another bespoke EV with a more spacious and flexible interior than the similarly sized Ariya. When this new car arrives, or what specific form it takes, is still unknown. We shouldn’t have to wait long to see the new X-Trail, with the US-market Rogue version likely to be revealed in late 2026, with Japanese and European specifications arriving in the following months. +++
+++ PEUGEOT is “working on” more GTi models to follow next year’s hot E-208, the brand’s leader Alain Favey has told. Soon after taking over in February the new CEO fast-tracked development of the Peugeot E-208 GTi hot hatch. “When I joined clearly some work had been done already, but it was not considered to be worthy of being launched for a million reasons”. So Favey lit a fire under Stellantis Motorsport – whose day job is engineering the 9X8 endurance racer along with Peugeot and Lancia rally cars, as well as Peugeot design. The team had 4 months to create the GTi’s performance makeover (flared wheelarches, front and rear spoilers, 18 inch alloys) to hit the deadline of a Le Mans 2025 unveil. With its wider tracks, trick suspension, sticky tyres and hefty 280 hp distributed across the front axle by a limited slip differential, the electric 208 GTi should be a serious piece of kit. Favey’s passion for the project shines through, promising a car whose class-leading power-to-weight ratio should dismantle 0 to 100 kph in 5.7 seconds. Chassis set-up work is now intensifying, with the engineering team working to a deadline of June 2026 for the finished GTi’s commercial debut at the Le Mans 24 Heures. Given Favey’s passion for the project and the excellence of previous hot 308s, could more GTi models follow? “Yeah, definitely. At least we’re working on it. There will not be another GTi if it’s not a real GTi. But we are looking at different options”, he reveals. The boss has ruled out pure combustion performance cars given punitive French taxes and potential fines for not meeting carbon targets, so could a GTi use a hybrid powertrain? “It could be a hybrid,” he agrees. “But we don’t want to fool anybody. People are such aficionados of hot hatches. You really need to have a product that is astonishing on the market, and the E-208 GTi will be”. Driving sensations is one of Favey’s key pillars for the Peugeot brand in future, along with high quality and charismatic design. “We are known for our road-holding and a very specific driving position, our i-Cockpit with a small steering wheel”. The E-208 will also get a more direct steering set-up, which will enhance the car along with the suspension changes. Could the GTi brand extend to an SUV, to provide a revenue boost? “No. It is puristic but GTi stands for hot hatch. It’s not a hot SUV. Maybe others do it but we’re not going to do that,” says the boss. “You will not believe this but we don’t see this as profit generation. It’s about sport, that’s really what it is. We don’t do Le Mans for profit objectives but for brand-building”. +++
+++ According to the latest Consumer Reports automaker ranking, there is no great news for the Detroit 3 because whether it’s RELIABILITY or overall satisfaction, American brands continue to struggle in the annual report card. Let’s look at reliability first. Toyota was top, followed by Subaru, Lexus, Honda and BMW. The highest score for a Detroit brand was Buick, in 8th place. Chrysler, GMC, Jeep, Ram and Rivian were the worst performers. Now let’s look at the overall score, in which Consumer Reports combines reliability with road tests, safety performance and owner satisfaction data. It’s still not a pretty picture for the Detroit 3. Lincoln scored highest, at 7th. The next best was Cadillac at 17th. Jeep scored the lowest. Consumer Reports bases its analysis on its own road tests and owner survey results that covered 380.000 vehicles. There was some good news for the Detroit 3. Ford brands are improving and Buick continues to hold its own. But according to these rankings, the domestic field still has plenty of work to do. +++
+++ TOYOTA has been hinting at the MR2’s return for a few years. A mention of the iconic 2-seat mid-engine sports car appeared in season two of Toyota’s Grip anime YouTube series last year, and now I have our best confirmation that the model might officially return. Maybe. Toyota has filed to trademark the MR2 name in Japan and the MR-S in Australia. The automaker filed both late last month, and the timing is interesting. Toyota teased a 4th GR model set to join the GR86, Yaris and Supra in the latest Grip episode. In 2021, Toyota introduced the Sports EV, a concept car with mid-engine proportions. The company would follow up with a similar-looking FT-Se Concept in 2023, which was also electric. Then, earlier this year, the Toyota introduced the Yaris M Concept, a mid-engine hatchback with the developmental turbocharged 2.0-liter “G20E” 4-cylinder engine. All the signs are there for the car’s return: I don’t know when that will be, or if it’ll happen at all. While Toyota has hinted at the MR2’s return for nearly half a decade, the company has not confirmed it, and it’s unclear whether MR-S is a different name, a hotter version of the car, or something else. The company has also suggested that Celica might make a comeback, and it has filed similar trademarks. Clearly, Toyota is interested in new sports cars. Toyota built the MR2 for over 20 years, with the first generation going on sale for the 1985 model year. Toyota ended the car’s production after 3 generations in 2007, when it had a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder making 140 hp, but Toyota discontinued after the 2006 model year. If Toyota were to revive the MR2, I don’t expect it to return anytime soon. I haven’t spotted any development vehicles in public and the trademark could mean nothing. Automakers trademark names all the time and never use them, but we hope the GR MR2 is real, and could see it in 2027 or 2028, which feels too far away. +++
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KIA
We’ve seen plenty of new metal from Kia during 2025 and just before the year’s out, the Korean firm has decided there’s time for one more reveal in the shape of the Vision Meta Turismo concept.
As part of the brand’s 80th anniversary celebrations, the Vision Meta Turismo was unveiled at an exhibition in Kia’s ‘Vision Square’ learning institute in the city of Yongin. The concept car was only teased a few days prior, and gives us a clear view of what to expect from Kia’s future design language.
Kia EV2 (covered/silhouette) – side
New Kia EV2 reveal set for January
An all-electric four-door saloon, the Vision Meta Turismo introduces a form that we’ve not seen from the brand since the Stinger ended production in 2023. Kia hasn’t directly referred to the Stinger in relation to its new concept, although it did include the model as part of an ‘Identity’ section of its exhibition – suggesting that it’s not done yet in the saloon segment.
Backing up the Vision Meta Turismo’s potential to become a production car in future, the brand also said it “embodies Kia’s vision for a new era of mobility”. Where it might fit in, though, is not clear. Kia added the EV4 and EV5 this year, but the EV7 and EV8 names are still to be taken, so the concept could preview one of these.
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While a production version of the Vision Meta Turismo concept would bring a different shape to the current Kia EV line-up, it does share some design language with the firm’s latest EVs and reflects its ‘Opposites United’ philosophy.
Kia’s ‘Star Map’ lighting is prevalent at the front, although the positioning of the headlamps high up on the bonnet is an interesting move. The rear also has thin LED lighting structures – something we’ve seen before on the likes of the EV3, EV5 and EV9.
Kia says the Vision Meta Turismo is based on three core experiences of ‘performance driving’, ‘immersive driving experience through digital interaction’ and ‘spaciousness of the lounge space’.
New Kia Vision Meta Turismo concept – interior8
We can certainly see an element of driver focus with the cabin layout. The driver gets a bespoke seat along with an odd joystick control mixed with a yoke-style steering wheel. There’s also an augmented reality head-up display that shows virtual graphics “floating above the road” according to Kia. Three digital modes are offered – Speedster, Dreamer, and Gamer – although what these entail has not yet been revealed; more information on the concept is promised in the future.
The Vision Meta Turismo concept utilises a long wheelbase which in production form could potentially cater to Kia’s largest battery, the 99.8kWh unit found in the EV9. The slippery shape of the four-door would certainly help give it a much longer range than the blocky EV9, which tops out at 349 miles.
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