AUTOCAR AWARDS - The Storming Ferrari 488 GTB takes the maximum 5 Star award at this year's ceremony.

• “The best chassis in the business meets the best turbocharged engine”

Ferrari’s Chief Test Driver, Raffaele de Simone, collected an award for the Ferrari 488 GTB from Autocar at Silverstone Circuit last night. 

The award was for the 488 GTB achieving Autocar’s maximum 5-Star rating in their comprehensive Road Test which includes an extensive evaluation of the car on road by the Autocar editorial team, as well as performance testing at MIRA in Northamptonshire. 

With a time of 1’8.0” around the MIRA handling circuit, the 488 GTB was 0.3 seconds quicker than the 458 Speciale around the same circuit. But the most notable aspects of the Award are the summary comments from the Autocar Editorial team:

“Ferrari’s greatest achievement with the 488 GTB is not simply how fast it goes. Nor is it how it has integrated turbochargers onto its mid-mounted V8 yet retained far more character than any other manufacturer has tried artificially aspirating its engines. 

Nor is it that it has given the 488 all the track poise and agility of the 458 Speciale which went before it.”

“No, the feat is how all of the above have been melded into what is undoubtedly today’s greatest supercar. “World-beating. Likely to be benchmarked and copied – much like the 458 Italia.”

Ferrari also collected the trophy for Britain’s Best Driver’s Car at the Autocar Award ceremony last night, an accolade which the 488 GTB won at Autocar’s traditional “Handling Day” test at Snetterton in October last year.

The 488 GTB is Ferrari’s first mid-engined turbocharged supercar since the Ferrari F40 and retains that car’s extreme driving performance and excitement, while maintaining unprecedented levels of usability and practicality. 

With the Ferrari Genuine Maintenance package that covers all major servicing costs for 7-years, the 488 GTB is a world-beating supercar that can be driven every day.

AUTOCAR AWARDS - The Awesome Audi SQ7 wins the Innovation Award for it's Electrically powered Compressor.

Autocar magazine singles out the ground-breaking Audi SQ7 TDI for its significant contribution to future car technology

• Flagship SQ7 TDI introduces a world first – the electric powered compressor
• V8 BiTDI is the first ever S model in the Q7 range, producing 435PS, 900Nm of torque for 62mph in just 4.9 seconds 
• Innovative48 volt electrical subsystem and electromechanical active roll stabilisation implemented for the first time in an Audi model
• Priced from £70,970 OTR, ordering opens at the beginning of June with first deliveries starting this summer

The world’s oldest surviving car magazine has honoured the world’s first ever series production car to feature an electrically powered compressor with its coveted ‘Innovation Award’. 

Autocar Magazine Editor Jim Holder presented the award acknowledging this and other innovations underpinning the all-new Audi SQ7 TDI at a ceremony held last night at Silverstone.

The performance-boosting compressor technology that supplements the two conventional exhaust-driven turbochargers in the new flagship of the Q7 range is dubbed ‘incredibly influential’ and ‘the start of a new thing’ within the automotive industry by the respected weekly motoring magazine.

It is just one of a number of ground-breaking new departures benefiting the first ever S model in the Q7 range, including the electromechanical active-roll stabilisation system newly complementing the adaptive air suspension and the 48V electrical subsystem working with the conventional 12V network to provide the power base for these new technologies.

Commenting on the win, Editorial Director of Autocar, PistonHeads and What Car? Jim Holder explained: “What caught our judges’ eye this time was the combination of pioneering technologies being introduced by the VW Group, most immediately on the new Audi SQ7, which features an electrically powered compressor with a 48V electric sub-system for the first time. Both we and Audi believe it opens up an important new direction for the cars of the future.”

“The newly developed V8 engine of the Audi SQ7 TDI uses an electric powered compressor – that is a world first,” declared Dr. Stefan Knirsch, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development at Audi.

900Nm from just 1,000rpm

This compressor supports the work of the two turbochargers especially at low revs and guarantees maximum sprinting capability with no turbo lag. The result is 435PS from 3,750rpm and a mighty 900Nm (663.8 lb ft) of torque from just 1,000rpm, a figure that comfortably leads the competitive field.

The same high performance 48 volt electrical subsystem that powers up the compressor in less than 250 milliseconds and enables it to spin to 70,000 revolutions per minute also provides the energy for the optional electromechanical active roll stabilisation. 

There is nothing comparable with this system among any of its direct competitors. It significantly reduces side tilt of the car and paves the way for firm, communicative handling by reducing roll on bends, achieving higher lateral acceleration and thus faster cornering.

The SQ7 TDI is the first Audi to feature the high-performance voltage system. A DC/DC converter connects it to the ‘standard’ 12 volt electrical system, and it is driven by a separate 48 volt lithium-ion battery mounted beneath the luggage compartment with a peak output of 13 kilowatts.

The UK’s fastest accelerating and most powerful diesel luxury SUV becomes available to order from the beginning of next month, priced from £70,970 OTR. 

It is fitted as standard with an exceptional portfolio of equipment that includes all-LED headlights and LED rear lights, the fully-digital virtual cockpit, MMI navigation plus with MMI Touch and the latest developments in Audi connect, which bring infotainment updates and separate safety and service functionality within the car.

The electromechanical active roll stabilisation system is offered as part of a package aimed at the keenest drivers which also includes a sport differential optimising torque distribution at the rear axle for maximum handling adjustability and all-wheel-steering that also boosts high speed control while aiding manoeuvrability at parking speeds. 

Performance enthusiasts can also upgrade to carbon ceramic brake discs with 10-piston calipers for the ultimate in fade-resistant stopping power.

AUTOCAR AWARDS - Carlos Tavares takes the Issigonis Trophy for his work in transforming the PSA GRoup.

• Carlos Tavares awarded the Issigonis Trophy
• Award presented at a glittering celebration evening at the Silverstone Race Circuit

Last night Autocar honoured the very best cars and people of the automotive industry at the new Autocar Awards, in a glittering ceremony held at the stunning Silverstone Wing of the historic UK Silverstone Race Circuit.

Carlos Tavares, chairman of the managing board of the PSA Group, was named the winner of the Issigonis Trophy in recognition for his work in transforming the PSA Group. The Issigonis Trophy is named after Sir Alec Issigonis, creator of one of the most iconic British cars of all time, the Mini.

Autocar editor, Matt Burt, said: “The new Autocar Awards celebrate the very best that the automotive industry has to offer, be that the cars on sale today or the people behind them. When you consider the fantastic cars produced by Citroën, DS and Peugeot it is no surprise that we have named Carlos Tavares as the winner of our highest honour, the Issigonis Trophy”.

Accepting his award at Silverstone last night, Carlos Tavares said “I am honoured to accept this award on behalf of the PSA Group. Our collective success over the past eighteen months proves to the world our potential. Now, with our 'Push to Pass' strategy in place, we will ensure PSA's continued profitable organic growth over the coming years.” 

AUTOCAR AWARDS - The Bentley Bentayga takes the Game Changer award, & this is one big change for the brand.

• Bentley’s sector-defining Bentayga recognised for its unique combination of luxury, performance and versatility
• ‘Game Changer’ award marks new SUV out as unique in the automotive world
• “The only, and by definition, best luxury 4x4”, according to Autocar

Autocar magazine has recognised the Bentley Bentayga as a defining moment in the automotive world, awarding Crewe’s latest model the Game Changer Award.

The accolade, which honours cars for setting new standards and defying convention, was bestowed on the Bentayga due to its unique combination of luxury and go-anywhere ability.

Autocar Editor, Jim Holder, said: “The Bentayga proves that luxury, performance and SUV versatility can go hand in hand. It is the only, and by definition, the best luxury 4x4 and it would take an impressive car to beat it.”

Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors, said: “From day one, we made a commitment to create an extraordinary new Bentley, with no compromises.  The Bentayga delivers a genuine Bentley driving experience in any environment and this award recognises the dedication and skill we have at our headquarters in Crewe.”

Designed, engineered and built in Crewe, the sector-defining Bentayga provides effortless Bentley performance, unrestrained by climate or terrain. It combines ultimate luxury with sporting ability, demonstrating its unique capabilities both on and off road. 

Holder continued: “Bentayga’s launch is a testament to the visionary conviction of the men and women at the head of the company who are now reaping the rewards of bulging order books.”

AUTOCAR AWARDS - Mazda's famous little MX-5 takes the Best Real- World Driver’s Car award for 2016.

• The all-new Mazda MX-5 claims a prestigious accolade from Britain’s oldest motoring title.
• Adds to an award tally that includes the 2016 World Car of the Year title.
• Autocar’s Real-World Drivers car title reflects a sports car that starts from just £18,495.

The all-new Mazda MX-5’s handling and driver engagement has been recognised at the 2016 Autocar Awards. Named Best Real- World Driver’s Car by the road testers of Britain’s most established car magazine – Mazda’s sports car came out on top in Autocar’s annual test of affordable enthusiasts’ cars.

The lightest MX-5 since the iconic original, the all-new Mazda MX-5 is shorter, lower and wider than the car it replaced. With the smallest overhangs and lowest centre of gravity yet, its dynamic proportions and Mazda’s KODO: Soul of Motion styling reflects its focus on driving pleasure in an unmistakably contemporary and dynamic way.

Featuring Mazda’s award-winning SKYACTIV technology, the all-new MX-5’s ultra-efficient petrol engines and lightweight chassis ensure new levels of performance and economy. Agility and driver engagement is taken to a new level, while at the same time the latest MX-5 meets ever-increasing safety refinement requirements and delivers substantially improved refinement.

With perfect 50:50 weight distribution and more technology than ever before, the all-new MX-5 has firmly re-established Mazda’s dominance of the affordable sports car sector. Something recognised by Autocar at their 2016 award ceremony.  Commenting on the MX-5’s performance, Autocar’s chief tester Matt Saunders said, “our winner stands head and shoulders above the competition for its blend of accessible performance and delightful handling.”

Having already been named Japan Car of the Year 2015/16, 2016 UK Car of the Year and 2016 World Car of the Year, the all-new Mazda MX-5’s trophy collection is growing ever bigger. Plus, with the one-millionth MX-5 having rolled down the production line on the 22^nd April 2016, the world’s best-selling two-seater sports car continues to win the hearts of customers and media alike.

Mazda Motors UK Managing Director, Jeremy Thomson said, “We’re thrilled with both the customer and media response to the all-new MX-5. This car symbolises all that is great about our products. 

Its fun to drive character has strengthened the connection between Mazda and its customers for more than 25 years, and today it’s the definitive example of how our SKYACTIV Technology and KODO design philosophy help us create stylish, spirited and great to drive cars.”

Adding, “the fact that this comes at a price point that makes the MX-5 an achievable aspiration for so many makes this car even more special. When it was launched in 1990 the 115ps Mk1 MX-5 cost £14,249 (equal to £31,687 in today’s money), yet 25 years later with vastly more standard equipment, the all-new Mazda MX-5 costs from £18,495, meaning more than ever the Mazda MX-5 sets the benchmark as the one of the world’s best and most affordable sports cars, so we are delighted Autocar has recognised this with their Best Real-World Driver’s car award.”

Since its UK launch in 1990 over 120,000 MX-5s have been sold to British driving fans, so with 2016 set for a bumper year of MX-5 convertible sales, and next month’s Goodwood Festival of Speed seeing the European debut of the all-new Mazda MX-5 RF, the next chapter of the MX-5 success story is already being written.

AUTOCAR AWARDS - Ford does the double, the Focus RS and it's Chief Engineer both take awards.

• Five-star car award for “barmy and tremendously engaging” Focus RS
• Engineer of the Year accolade for Focus RS chief engineer Tyrone Johnson    

The Ford Focus RS now being delivered to first owners in the UK was lauded at tonight’s Autocar Awards. The third-generation Focus RS with all-wheel drive and 350PS 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, achieving 0-62mph in 4.7sec and capable of 165mph, was recognised with a five-star rating by Autocar – ahead of Golf R, Civic Type R, Audi RS3 Sportback and Mercedes-AMG A45.

Jim Holder, Autocar editorial director, said:  “Any car that carries Ford’s RS badge also carries with it a weight of expectation – but the latest Focus RS carries that load with ease.

“The most fun you can have in a hot hatch on road or track, the new Focus RS heads our league table for delivering on the edge thrills when you really want to push – all for £31,000.”

RS chief engineer Tyrone Johnson was named Engineer of the Year by Autocar.

German-born, educated in the US and a Ford engineer of 31 years, Tyrone previously worked on first SVT Mustang of 1992 and the first global Mondeo alongside spells in motorsport.  From 1992 to 2003 Tyrone was part of Ford’s Stewart Ford and Jaguar Racing Formula 1 teams, as well as the Ford Focus’ entry into World Rally.

Heading up a team of 20, Tyrone was assigned to the current RS three years ago with the intent to create a ground-breaking all-wheel drive platform from the start:  “I’m energised by the team I lead, mainly because I've got some real crazy car guys and gals working for me!  This Autocar award is for them all.”

Jim Holder said:  “Tyrone was asked to reinvent an icon, and he and his team have achieved it in the most spectacular fashion, creating old-school thrills in a totally modern package.”

An online documentary series follows the highs – and lows – of engineering theall-new Focus RS for global sale in 42 countries.  All episodes of “Rebirth of an Icon”, covering design studio to unveil and extreme testing in the Arctic and Arizona in between, are at www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSDdJ-bq9Y18ODbtta-Qzumct4Ae4e1O3.

AUTOCAR AWARDS - The Volvo XC-90 is another car awarded with the title, "Game CHanger", it too is worthy.

• Seven-seat XC90 SUV praised for 'transforming Volvo's standing'
• Honoured for combining cutting-edge technology with comfort, practicality and desirability
• Tablet-style infotainment system and ground-breaking safety aids standard on every XC90
• Priced from £46,850 and offered with diesel, petrol and innovative plug-in hybrid powertrains

The Volvo XC90 has been named an Autocar Game-Changer at the 2016 Autocar Awards. Autocar's Game-Changers are those cars that have done the most to move the car industry, or their makers, forwards in the past year – and the XC90 has certainly done that. 

Built on Volvo's all-new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform, the XC90 was the first evidence of the Swedish brand's global transformation. 

Combining Volvo's world-renowned safety, comfort and practicality credentials, it also moves the game on in terms of connectivity and its range of powerful yet efficient Drive-E powertrains.

Commenting on the award, Autocar's editorial director, Jim Holder, said: "The XC90 has transformed the standing of Volvo in the most striking fashion, combining practicality, comfort and cutting-edge technology in a hugely desirable package."

That cutting-edge technology includes the nine-inch Sensus touch screen control system. This is no ordinary touch screen, however: not only does it include pinch, zoom and swipe functionality – unlike many rival systems – it even works when you're wearing gloves. It provides access to the internet and a range of cloud-based apps and internet radio stations, too.

The Drive-E powertrains also showcase the future of Volvo's engines. The XC90's four-cylinder, 2.0-litre units use sophisticated fuelling and boosting technologies to combine efficiency with power. The D5 diesel engine benefits from an innovative solution to increase responsiveness at low revs. Called PowerPulse, it uses compressed air to spool up the turbocharger when it would otherwise be inactive, which helps give the XC90 impressively strong performance from a standing start. The T8 Twin Engine petrol-electric hybrid, on the other hand, combines a total of 407 hp with CO₂ emissions of just 49 g/km. It can also travel for up to 27 miles in zero-emission electric-only mode.

Naturally, safety is at the forefront of any Volvo, and the XC90 includes two world-first safety aids: automatic emergency braking at a junction, which will apply the brakes for you if you inadvertently turn into the path of an oncoming vehicle, and run-off road protection, which includes a collapsible section in the front seats to reduce the likelihood of spinal injuries if the car leaves the road.

Nick Connor, Managing Director of Volvo Car UK, said: "We're delighted that the XC90 has been recognised as such a transformative model by Autocar. We're immensely proud of the car and what it heralds for Volvo – both in terms of our new-found style and desirability, but also that it is the first in an entirely new product range due in the next few years. Volvo is on a roll at the moment, and this honour for the XC90 is yet more proof that our transformation is well on track."

AUTOCAR AWARDS - The Jaguar XE saloon is also named one of the UK's "Game Changer" cars.

• The game-changing XE has helped Jaguar to record sales in the first four months of 2016
• XE has contributed to the doubling of Jaguar’s share of the Corporate Market in the UK
• XE has the highest 3year/60k mile residual value in the segment and the lowest CO₂ emissions of any non-Hybrid vehicle in the segment at 99g/km
• The most advanced, efficient and refined sports saloon that Jaguar has ever produced is priced from £26,990 available to specify at www.jaguar.co.uk

The Jaguar XE has been named as a ‘Game Changer’ at the Autocar Awards 2016 for ‘establishing a new benchmark in its class for handling.’

Jim Holder, Editorial Director of Autocar, What Car? and PistonHeads said: “A new entry into the premium compact executive class is always risky; it’s full of such established and competent contenders that any fresh offering has to be truly special. 

Everyone at Autocar believes that the XE fulfills its brief perfectly, having redefined the handling benchmark on its first attempt. With its Callum-designed looks and business-friendly figures, we had absolutely no hesitation in naming the XE a ‘Game Changer’.”

Using Jaguar’s advanced Lightweight Aluminium Architecture, and high-tech Ingenium engines, the XE is the most efficient non-hybrid car in its class with fuel economy of up to 75mpg and CO₂ emissions as low as 99g/km. As well as its business-friendly emissions the XE also boasts the highest three-year/60,000-mile residual value* in the segment.

Presented at an event in the Silverstone Wing, Jaguar Director of Design Ian Callum – the man responsible for designing the XE – received the award from the Autocar editorial team.

Ian Callum said: “When we first created the Jaguar XE we wanted to make the best looking driver’s car which is great value for money. We take great satisfaction to receive validation from Britain’s oldest and most respected car magazine and something that everyone at Jaguar Land Rover is immensely proud of.”

The XE’s innovation, style and value for money has been recognized throughout the automotive industry, beating established rivals to 41 major global awards, including Best New Car at the Fleet World Awards, Telegraph’s Car of the Year and Business Car of the Year, Auto Express’ Best Compact Executive Car and Business Car of the Year at the BusinessCar Awards.

Jeremy Hicks, Jaguar Land Rover UK MD, said: “We’re immensely proud of the XE’s awards successes, above all we’re very pleased to see XE has been a winner with both private and fleet customers. Already hailed as the best driver’s car in its class, the XE was recently updated with all-wheel drive and InControl Touch Pro technology. In fact, the XE has helped transform our UK business with record Jaguar sales in April – that’s just one perfect example of why it really is a Game Changer.”

Autocar says that its ‘Game Changers’ are cars that ‘have been picked for setting new standards or defying conventions by turning the established order on its head’. Of the XE, Autocar says: “Jaguar hasn’t just made an alternative to the big three – offering something a little different, a touch quirky – to snare a few buyers. Instead, it has been brave enough to make a car capable of taking on the established players at their own game.”

The 2017 Model Year XE prices start from £26,990 – comes with an optional state-of-the-art InControl Touch Pro infotainment system with a 10.2-inch tablet-style touchscreen that offers intuitive operation, super-fast response times and intelligent navigation. The system offers a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to eight devices, and is compatible with an Apple Watch app, that offers remote functions including fuel level check, lock and unlock, and even remote engine starts.