Autocar weekly round-up: Grenadier sneak peek, Audi's more engaging R8 and more
We round up this week's hottest stories, pictures and videos for you to devour in your Friday lunch break
As the working week draws to a close, you no doubt want to catch up with everything that has happened in the world of motoring over the past few days.
So we’re bringing you our favourite videos, stories, photos and quotes of the week all in one place. Here are today’s picks:
*HOT NEWS*
The GTS badge returned to the Porsche Cayenne line-up this week, with the standard and Coupe versions of the performance SUV both getting a 454bhp V8 powertrain capable of 0-62mph in 4.5sec. It replaces the twin-turbocharged V6 used previously, and helps bridge the gap between lesser Cayennes and the Cayenne Turbo. Full details below.
*New Porsche Cayenne GTS revealed with 454bhp V8*
*VIDEO OF THE WEEK*
If you own a 4x4, SUV or even a crossover that you’ve never so much as splashed through a particularly deep puddle, you’re missing out on so much off-road potential. To help you learn everything you need to know before heading out to your nearest muddy field, we took a Suzuki Jimmy and Ford Ranger Raptor to our favourite quarry for some messy off-piste action.
*PHOTO OF THE WEEK*
It may be fully camouflaged and a long way from being finished, but this week we got our first unofficial look at the Ineos Grenadier. The rugged 4x4 is set to use a platform inspired by the old Land Rover Defender, with classic design to go with its go-anywhere attitude. Full story below.
*2021 Ineos Grenadier: first prototype caught testing in disguise*
*QUOTE OF THE WEEK*
“You quickly need to see through the R8's deceptively benign demeanour and friendly road manners, because this car takes skill to exploit and fully enjoy and, more so even than many other mid-engined machines, doesn't tolerate complacency.”
Not a statement that would usually apply to Audi’s all-wheel drive supercar, perhaps - but one that rings true for the new series-production RWD variant, which loses a second driven axle in pursuit of greater driving thrills. Read our first drive impressions on UK roads below.
*Audi R8 RWD 2020 UK review*
*FROM THE ARCHIVE*
Of just 2677 examples of the Mercedes-Benz 'Grosser' 600 produced, less than 5% were the six-door Pullman variant – and it was one of these that Autocar writer had access to back in 1968. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because the former racing driver won the 1961 US Grand Prix for Lotus before hanging up his racing goggles and picking up a pen. Turns out he was rather good with one of those as well.
*From the archive: Goading the Mercedes-Benz Grosser*
*POPULAR OPINION*
Easing lockdown restrictions have meant our testers can begin putting new metal through its paces on public roads once again, and we’ve got plenty to get through. Sadly, as Matt Prior notes, few drivers appear to have used their extended downtime to brush up on the Highway Code, and the recently quiet roads have become a bit of a rat run.
*Matt Prior: Car line-ups are complex - just ask Dominic Cummings*