Autocar Lunchbox: Fast BMWs over the years, buying a Cosworth icon and more
We round up our hottest stories, pictures and videos for you to devour in your lunch break
It’s everyone’s favourite part of the working day, lunchtime, and you’re no doubt craving a hefty dose of car-related content.
So we’ve revived our Autocar Lunchbox feature to bring you our favourite videos, stories, photos, quotes and more all in one place. Here are today’s picks:
*HOT NEWS*
*Punchy Pug *
Peugeot's new era of design is in full swing, and the 308 family hatch is next in line for a revamp. Arriving in 2022 atop the now-commonplace EMP2 platform, the VW Golf rival will be available with a range of combustion and hybrid powertrains, but it's the 300bhp hot hatch range-topper we're really excited about... Get all the details below.
*Next-gen Peugeot 308 to get 300bhp-plus performance version*
*VIDEO OF THE DAY*
*Feeling coupe-d up*
What’s the best recipe for an engaging sports coupé? You’ll get very different answers depending on which manufacturer you ask. The Porsche 718 Cayman T and Alpine A110 bring mid- and mid-rear engine layouts and turbocharged four-cylinder engines, while BMW and Toyota opt for six-cylinder muscle mounted at the front for the M2 Competition and all-new Supra.
To find out which formula gets it right, we pit all four against eachother at our favourite circuit.
*PHOTO OF THE DAY*
*M's the word*
Now *that* is how you do a press shot. The angular, angry E30 M3 is one of the most iconic and collectable cars from BMW's performance portfolio, but it's far from the only jewel in the M division's crown. Join us for a look back at the brand's 50-year history.
*History of the BMW M division - picture special*
*QUOTE OF THE DAY*
*Cos (you're) worth it*
"This is the ultimate cult car. The one we all wanted. The poster on the wall. Low-mileage examples can go for £80,000 and, once one sells to a collector for that sort of money, it commands the price for all the others."
No, James Wills from Auto Dynamix isn't talking about a Lamborghini Miura or Lancia Stratos. This is a performance car with much more obvious blue collar origins. The Ford Escort RS Cosworth is an absolute fan favourite - what with its whopping great rear spoiler, huge turbo and highly tuneable motor - but prices are on the up. If you fancy getting one while you still can, read our used buying guide.
*Used car buying guide: Ford Escort RS Cosworth*
*FROM THE ARCHIVE*
*Sayonara, spines...*
How will a proper road trip be negotiated by a ‘prototype’-style modern Le Mans racer for the road, a road-converted GTE-class competition machine and a sports car with very serious circuit abilities? What kind of road-going existence are you in for in each of them – and would you be crazy to contemplate it? To find out, back in 2017 we embarked on a long voyage in the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Ford GT and Radical RXC Turbo. Find out how it went below.
*Ford GT vs Radical RXC Turbo vs Porsche 911 GT3 RS: supercar battle*
*POPULAR OPINION*
*Getting the Crewe back together*
By the time you read this, the first Rolls-Royce workers will be back on the factory floor in Goodwood, West Sussex, picking up the tools they downed when lockdown was announced. What's more, Bentley is getting back to work, with just 3% of its customers cancelling orders during the lockdown. Jim Holder ponders why luxury is leading the way for Britain's automotive industry in the wake of the pandemic.
*Opinion: Luxury leads the way as UK car production resumes*