1 HR AGO - The Tokyo motor show customarily promises an exciting balance of innovation and creativity The full lowdown on Japan's largest new car event, including what's relevant to Europe, prior to the doors opening Every edition of the biennial Tokyo motor show explores a different facet of Japan's unique automotive industry. Some put an unabashed focus on performance while others place technology front and centre. What never changes is that the event is dominated by Japanese carmakers, you won't hear much from European, American and other Asian brands, and the companies that display cars in Japan's capital are on a bold quest to show their wild side. This is their chance to shine on their home turf. The 2019 Tokyo motor show opening its doors on October 24 will, somewhat unsurprisingly, highlight electrification. Most of the production and concept cars scheduled to break cover during the event will incorporate some degree of electrification, whether it's mild hybrid technology or a Collapse

6 HRS AGO - Gearshift paddles - every XK has them, plus a Sport button The V8-engined Jaguar XK - coupe or convertible - is a tempting buy, especially from £6000 up. But is there a risk it'll turn around and bite you? The Jaguar XK makes for a great used car, with its lightweight, bonded and riveted aluminium monocoque clothed in aluminium body panels, and a choice of a reliable 4.2 or 5.0-litre V8 under its long bonnet – supercharged in R versions. And with prices starting at just £6000, it’s also a great bargain. Not to be confused with its predecessor, the XK8 of 1996-2006, the XK was launched in 2007 and expired in 2014. The two were different, but from launch to its 2009 facelift, the XK used the same 300bhp 4.2-litre V8 that had seen service in later XK8s. From 2009, the XK gained an all-new 380bhp 5.0-litre V8 with direct injection. The R version’s supercharger raises the 4.2’s power to 420bhp and the 5.0’s to 503bhp. There’s a 4.2 XKR-S (launched in 2008 and limited to 200 copies) but Collapse

12 HRS AGO - Land Rover's upcoming electric Range Rover, as imagined by Autocar All-electric luxury crossover to rival next-gen Macan EV and Audi E-tron Sportback Land Rover is gearing up to launch its first fully electric Range Rover model, a low-slung luxury crossover that will be twinned with the Jaguar XJ and is due to go on sale in late 2021. With the revived Defender now unveiled as a true off-road flagship model, the British firm can strengthen its focus on electrification, a key area of investment in Jaguar Land Rover’s Charge and Accelerate programmes designed to restructure the business following recent heavy losses. The new EV, first revealed by Autocar in 2017 and once known under the working name Road Rover, is being developed as the brand’s most road-focused model yet, albeit retaining more off-road capability than rivals. It is intended to take on the likes of the next-generation all-electric Porsche Macan and the forthcoming Audi E-tron Sportback. JLR’s new model has been Collapse

1 DAY AGO - We've curated the kit that should take you from mountain high to rapids white with a good dose of electric off-roading of a two- or four-wheel nature in-between Collapse

1 DAY AGO - Data from the DVSA shows the number of candidates caught cheating on their driving theory test increases threefold over last five years Collapse

2 DAYS AGO - All three of the McLarens are seriously quick. Their top speeds are all north of 200mph The McLaren F1 was arguably the first hypercar and laid down the DNA that runs through the equally mighty P1 and Senna. We gather all three The sight alone is enough to elicit involuntary laughter. F1, P1, Senna. All on the same slice of Tarmac, dihedral doors flipped up awaiting further instruction. They have been together before of course, most notably and recently at the Goodwood Members’ Meeting in the spring, but never for a purpose like this. We have them and this track, including its near-two-mile runway, for the day. They are ours. Despite the P1 being worth £5 million (it’s a prototype and the most filmed and famous P1 in existence) and the F1 valued at five times more than that, no one is saying ‘don’t go there, don’t do that’ with any of them. McLaren people are everywhere, appearing more than anything else pleased that we’ve been able to make this thing happen. So, at the risk of Collapse

2 DAYS AGO - Volkswagen recently revealed an electrified version of the original Beetle Removal of original combustion engine threatens status of historically significant vehicles A leading body has spoken out against the widespread electrification of classic cars, stating that removing a vehicle’s original powertrain renders it no longer ‘historic’.  The Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens (FIVA) has issued a statement, in which it states that it “cannot promote, to owners or regulators, the use of modern EV components to replace a historic vehicle’s drivetrain”.  The announcement comes following a recent flurry of electrified classic vehicle unveilings from newly launched independent firms, including Lunaz and Swindon Powertrain, as well as a host of manufacturer-backed efforts such as Jaguar’s E-Type Zero, Volkswagen's new e-Kafer and the Renault 4 e-Plein Air.  FIVA acknowledges the benefits of electrification in the classic vehicle sector, calling attention to likely enhanced Collapse

3 DAYS AGO - Swindon Powertrain now supplies a compact ‘crate’ powertrain, designed for use in light commercial, sports and classic vehicles Collapse

3 DAYS AGO - The crown of the 6 series in full smoky glory The E63 6 Series coupé is a big-bellied beast with a fat appetite for fuel. But my is it fine. It’s well known that the E63 6 Series coupé that ran from 2003 to 2011 has a penchant for the black stuff, slurping it greedily and occasionally blowing it out through rocker cover gaskets, breather hoses and down cylinder bores. It sounds like a non-starter, but what the hell, we’re suckers for a big koop. A twin-turbo 3.0-litre diesel version will be cheaper to run but you’re better off with the sweeter 630i petrol. A 2007 facelift car with the Efficient Dynamics package is what you need. The 3.0-litre engine makes 268bhp and up to 35.8mpg is possible with a feather-light foot. We found an 08-reg car with 68,000 miles for £8799. It’s had two former keepers and has a full main dealer history, with eight stamps in the book. Dual-zone climate control, black leather, heated and powered memory seats, parking sensors and 19in alloys – they’re Collapse