Autoesque

Once they’ve served their intended purpose, pre-production homologation vehicles are usually destroyed. Such was the fate awaiting ‘LA66 HTG’, the first Kia Stinger GT S to enter the UK which had been used for final testing, media appearances and dealer launch events.

At 2017’s Düsseldorf Caravan Salon, Hymer displayed the DuoCar prototype . Now, with its design finalised, the camper van that’s aimed at solo travellers and couples will soon be available to buy.

Ford and Roush Performance have collaborated to build a one-off car that pays tribute to an outstanding Second World War pilot. Clarence ‘Bud’ Anderson, who served in Europe with the United States Army Air Force, achieved triple ace status flying P-51 Mustang fighters that were all named ‘Old Crow’.

To help launch its all-new S-Way heavy truck range, Iveco has unveiled a pair of special concepts.

Isuzu has added a special edition to the D-Max pick-up range. As its name suggests, the Workman+ targets commercial users rather than ‘lifestyle’ customers.

In 1969, BMW began building motorcycles in Berlin and the ‘/5 series’ R 50/5, R 60/5 and R 75/5 models were launched. Now, to celebrate the fiftieth anniversaries of those two events, the R nineT /5 has been announced.

Long, low proportions, scissor doors and a glazed roof certainly give the EXP 100 GT a dramatic appearance. As well as offering a glimpse of what a future luxury coupé might look like, this new concept showcases ideas for an innovative pure-electric powertrain.

Ten years after the Mini E research vehicle was created, the production Mini Electric has been launched. The newcomer – which is recognisable by a unique closed grille treatment – is being offered solely in three-door hatchback guise.

Kia has added a fourth body style to its Ceed line-up. Despite sharing the same underpinnings, the new XCeed – which is described as an “urban crossover with coupé-like European design” – is 85 mm (3.3”) longer and 43 mm (1.7”) taller than a Ceed hatchback. In fact, apart from the front door panels, the two variants don’t share any exterior bodywork.

No, BMW doesn’t harbour any ambitions to enter the truck market. The X7 Pick-up is actually a one-off conversion devised by the company’s vocational trainees in Munich.

Creating a supercar exclusively for circuit use must be a refreshingly restriction-free experience for manufacturers. After all, there’s no need to make it street legal, plus racing homologation rules don’t apply.

Aston Martin is the manufacturer being celebrated by the ‘Central Feature’ sculpture at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. In response, the company’s ‘Q by Aston Martin’ bespoke division has created a collection of special models.

Last October, the government announced some big changes to its Plug-in Car Grant. The maximum benefit reduced from £4,500 to £3,500, while tougher eligibility rules meant that plug-in hybrid models could no longer qualify for the subsidy. As expected, the new policies have had an effect on demand.

For 2019/2020, the FIA Formula E Championship is going to consist of fourteen rounds. That’s the highest number seen yet in a single season.

Last year, Volkswagen registered 1,235 examples of the California camper in the UK. Its popularity is set to continue with an updated version which is based on the new Transporter T6.1 van.

Various cosmetic changes and some additional powertrain choices benefit the latest Panda Waze special edition, which is still based on the existing Cross trim grade.

Škoda continues to target emergency services fleets in the UK. The company’s latest ‘blue light’ product is a Kodiaq vRS police pursuit vehicle.

Bentley has created another limited edition to help commemorate the brand’s centenary. The new Continental GT Convertible Number 1 Edition by Mulliner pays tribute to the famous No. 1 4½ Litre ‘Blower’ of 1929. Driven by Sir Henry ‘Tim’ Birkin, that unique racing car set an Outer Circuit lap record at Brooklands in 1932.