Autoesque

Over many decades, BMW has constantly upgraded and modernised the iconic twin-cylinder boxer motorcycle engine. Indeed, only a mass shift to electrification is likely to cause its eventual demise.

BMW has added another body style to its 8 Series range. The four-door Gran Coupé – which is due to arrive at dealers in September 2019 – joins the existing Coupé and Convertible versions.

An ice cream van, its bonnet propped open and diesel engine running continuously to keep the on-board freezer cold, is a common sight in Britain throughout the summer. Recognising that the associated noise and fumes aren’t particularly pleasant, Nissan has created a pure-electric alternative based on the e-NV200 .

Following the recent introduction of the Crafter Police Support Unit , Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has added a couple more officially-approved conversions to its ‘blue light’ fleet.

Next year’s British Touring Car Championship will retain its established format of ten events with three races at each. The 2020 schedule does include several alterations, though.

Unless legislation ends up forcing it, a widespread shift to electric cars will only happen when manufacturers build affordable vehicles that don’t instil range anxiety. With the new ‘third-generation’ Zoe – in reality a much improved version of the previous model – Renault provides a strong argument for abandoning internal combustion engines.

Extra power, a sharper chassis and some unique styling details define the Alpine A110S. This new version of the French two-seat coupé is due to arrive at dealers in October.

It’s well over a decade old, but judicious updates have managed to keep the current-generation Ducato relevant. Now, to help combat threats posed by relative newcomers such as the latest Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Volkswagen Crafter , Fiat Professional has announced a few further changes.

WPP and Kantar Millward Brown have completed their annual BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands study. Amazon heads the overall list for 2019, rising from last year’s third spot thanks to an estimated worth of US$315,505 million. Apple remains in the runner-up position, just ahead of Google.

At last year’s Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, a Bentley Bentayga set a new production SUV record. For 2019, the brand’s goal is to achieve the fastest ever time for any production car.

Engineering a car to be equally adept at track days and long-distance luxury touring is undoubtedly a tough challenge. According to its manufacturer, the new M8 Competition achieves that objective.

Apart from its new wheel designs, the 2019 Navara looks virtually identical to the superseded model. However, various mechanical upgrades have resulted in a pick-up that should be more capable and nicer to drive.

In July, Seat is going to stop offering its Mii city car with an internal combustion engine. Afterwards, the only available variant will be the new Mii Electric, which is essentially the same car as the recently-announced Škoda CitigoE iV .

Hyundai is adding another powertrain option to its Kona range. The new Hybrid, which will sit alongside the existing Electric and internal-combustion versions, is due to arrive at dealers in August.

A team of thirty-five apprentices from Škoda’s Vocational School has built the Mountiaq, a one-off conversion based on the Kodiaq mid-size SUV.

There’s soon going to be a new contender in North America’s ultra-competitive compact executive saloon segment. It’s the Cadillac CT4, which is roughly the same size as the latest BMW 3 Series.

Cadillac has revealed the high-performance CT5-V. This V-Series version of its all-new CT5 mid-size saloon is distinguished by a mesh grille, 19” wheels, a rear diffuser, four exhaust pipes and an almost total lack of chrome.

This year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans will serve as the finale for the 2018-19 FIA World Endurance Championship ‘super season’. The race is also going to be – for the time being, at least – the last appearance of the works-backed Ford Chip Ganassi Racing team in France.

At this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, BMW Motorrad unveiled a retro-inspired cruiser. Named Concept R18, it mixes long and low proportions, minimal bodywork, exposed components and some traditional styling cues.