Category Archives: NEW CARS

2027 Alpine A110: Next-Generation Electric Sports Car Previewed Ahead of 2027 Debut

Alpine has offered the first serious glimpse of its next-generation A110, revealing an artistic full-size sculpture that previews the design language of the brand’s first all-electric sports car. Set to arrive in 2027, the third-generation A110 will move the legendary nameplate into the electric era while retaining the low-slung proportions and driver-focused character that have defined the model since its modern revival.

The full-scale sculpture will make its public debut at the Paris Motor Show next month, but Alpine has already used the design study to provide several clues about what we can expect from the production car.

At first glance, the concept appears to be wrapped in an aerodynamic veil, deliberately referencing the covers traditionally used to hide new cars before their official unveilings. Beneath that surface, however, the sculpture reveals a much more significant change: the A110 is evolving visually while remaining unmistakably Alpine.

A New Electric Alpine A110 for 2027

The third-generation Alpine A110 will be the first fully electric version of the French sports car. Rather than adapting the existing A110 architecture, Alpine is developing the new model around its Alpine Performance Platform, or APP.

The new architecture has been engineered specifically with high-performance electric vehicles in mind. Alpine has already demonstrated the platform in prototype form, including a development car that appeared at the Goodwood Festival of Speed wearing the bodywork of the outgoing A110.

That prototype provided the first indication that Alpine is serious about preserving the compact dimensions and low driving position of the A110 despite the transition to battery-electric power.

The new sculpture reinforces that message.

Alpine says the next-generation A110 will remain essentially the same height as the current car, an important detail for a sports car whose identity is closely linked to its low centre of gravity and lightweight, compact proportions.

Concorde Inspiration Shapes the New A110

The new A110 is not simply an evolution of the current design. Alpine’s designers have looked beyond the automotive world for inspiration, with the supersonic Concorde aircraft playing a particularly important role.

Antony Villain, Alpine’s design chief, explained that the team wanted the third-generation A110 to have a more dramatic visual character.

“For the third-generation A110, we wanted something that was more dramatic, so we played with Concorde at the moment when it goes supersonic, and used this as an inspiration to create an echo shape that we interpreted on the body sides,” Villain said.

That influence is visible in the sculpture’s flowing surfaces and apparently tensioned bodywork. Rather than relying on conventional aggressive creases, Alpine appears to be pursuing a smoother aerodynamic form, with the impression of air moving around the car becoming part of the design itself.

The reference to Concorde is also particularly appropriate for Alpine, given the aircraft’s Anglo-French heritage. The supersonic airliner was jointly developed by Britain and France and remains one of the most recognizable examples of European engineering collaboration.

Familiar Alpine Face, Sharper Details

Although the production A110 remains hidden for now, the sculpture offers several clues about its frontal design.

The familiar Alpine V-shaped front appears to remain an important element, helping connect the electric third-generation car with the A110s that came before it. However, the details are expected to become considerably more sophisticated.

The sculpture suggests the use of hexagonal headlights, replacing the more rounded lighting signature associated with the current-generation car. The front end also appears more sculpted and aerodynamic, reinforcing Alpine’s intention to give the electric A110 a distinct identity rather than simply turning the existing model into an EV.

Along the sides, the bodywork appears more tightly shaped around the wheels and airflow, with the Concorde-inspired “echo” form becoming a key design feature.

The result is likely to be a more futuristic A110 without abandoning the proportions that make the current car immediately recognizable.

Alpine Performance Platform Allows a Low-Slung EV

One of the biggest engineering challenges facing Alpine has been creating an electric sports car without sacrificing the low seating position and compact proportions that define the A110.

The Alpine Performance Platform is designed to address that challenge.

Unlike many electric vehicles that use a conventional skateboard architecture with a large battery pack occupying most of the floor between the axles, APP can accommodate battery modules positioned at both the front and rear of the vehicle.

That packaging approach gives Alpine greater freedom to keep the A110 low to the ground.

For an electric sports car, this could be particularly important. Battery-electric vehicles naturally carry substantial mass, and packaging that weight effectively is crucial to achieving the agile handling expected from an Alpine.

By distributing the battery system while retaining a low overall body, Alpine is attempting to combine the advantages of electrification with the proportions of a traditional lightweight sports car.

The A110 Is Going Electric Without Losing Its Identity

The transition from petrol power to electricity represents the biggest change in the A110’s modern history, but Alpine’s early design preview suggests the company is determined not to abandon the model’s core identity.

The current A110 has built its reputation around compact dimensions, low weight, agility and a distinctive French interpretation of the sports-car formula. The third-generation model will have to translate those qualities into an electric format.

The new sculpture provides an early indication that Alpine understands the importance of visual continuity.

The low roofline remains. The V-shaped front survives. The body remains compact and dramatically shaped. But the surfaces are cleaner, the aerodynamics more pronounced and the lighting technology more futuristic.

Most importantly, the next A110 does not appear to be trying to imitate a conventional electric crossover or GT car.

Source: Alpine

2027 Toyota Corolla Could Become a Liftback With Hybrid, PHEV, EV and GR Performance Versions

Toyota appears to be preparing a major transformation for one of its most important nameplates. The next-generation Toyota Corolla is reportedly set to move beyond the conventional sedan and hatchback formulas, potentially adopting a liftback body style while expanding its powertrain lineup to include hybrid, plug-in hybrid, fully electric and high-performance GR variants.

The Corolla remains one of Toyota’s strongest sellers in the United States despite its age. Toyota dealers delivered 131,403 Corolla models during the first six months of the year, representing a 9.5 percent increase compared with the same period a year earlier. That growth is particularly notable considering the current-generation Corolla has been on the market for almost a decade.

However, a replacement is reportedly on the way.

Next-Generation Toyota Corolla Could Become a Liftback

Toyota has already hinted at the design direction of the next Corolla. A teaser released over the summer appeared to preview the upcoming model, with styling cues reportedly influenced by the Toyota Corolla Concept shown at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show.

According to a report from Car and Driver, Toyota could make a significant change to the Corolla lineup by replacing the traditional sedan with a liftback.

Such a move would allow Toyota to effectively combine the characteristics of the existing Corolla sedan and hatchback into a single model. A liftback could retain the practicality of a hatchback while offering a more streamlined silhouette closer to that of a conventional sedan.

The strategy would also fit with Toyota CEO Koji Sato’s broader push to reduce the number of vehicle variants offered by the company. Simplifying the lineup could help Toyota reduce complexity and improve profitability.

That raises an obvious question: does Toyota really need separate Corolla sedan and hatchback models when the company already offers the Corolla Cross?

For now, Toyota has not confirmed whether the next Corolla will adopt the liftback configuration.

Updated TNGA-C Platform Expected

The next-generation Corolla is reportedly expected to continue using Toyota’s TNGA-C architecture, albeit in an updated form.

That would allow Toyota to retain an established platform while incorporating new powertrain technologies and potentially improving efficiency, packaging and driving dynamics.

One of the most interesting aspects of the new Corolla could be the sheer number of propulsion options. Reports suggest Toyota could offer as many as four distinct powertrain configurations.

That would give the Corolla one of the broadest powertrain strategies in its segment.

New Toyota Corolla Hybrid Could Focus on Efficiency

The hybrid version is expected to remain a core part of the Corolla lineup.

According to current reports, the next Corolla Hybrid could use a new 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine combined with Toyota’s hybrid technology. Total system output is reportedly expected to be around 134 hp (100 kW/136 PS).

That figure would be broadly similar to the output of the current Corolla Hybrid, meaning Toyota may prioritize efficiency rather than outright performance.

And that could be the more important upgrade.

Fuel economy is reportedly expected to improve by approximately 10 to 20 percent. If that estimate materializes, the next Corolla Hybrid could become significantly more competitive in a market where fuel efficiency remains one of the model’s defining advantages.

An all-wheel-drive option could also remain available, following the formula used by the current Corolla Hybrid.

Plug-In Hybrid Corolla Could Offer More Electric Driving

Toyota is also reportedly preparing a plug-in hybrid version of the next-generation Corolla.

The Corolla PHEV would presumably use a larger battery pack than the standard hybrid, allowing it to travel considerably farther on electric power alone.

A more powerful electric motor is also expected.

Toyota has been expanding its plug-in hybrid strategy across several markets, and introducing the technology to the Corolla could give the compact car another way to bridge the gap between conventional hybrids and fully electric vehicles.

For buyers who want lower fuel consumption without committing entirely to an EV, a Corolla Plug-In Hybrid could become an important addition to the lineup.

Fully Electric Toyota Corolla Also Expected

Perhaps the biggest change could be the arrival of a fully electric Corolla.

Reports indicate that the next-generation Corolla EV could offer at least 250 miles (402 km) of range. An optional dual-motor all-wheel-drive system is also reportedly under consideration.

If those specifications become reality, the electric Corolla would occupy a very different position from today’s gasoline and hybrid models, effectively turning the Corolla nameplate into a broader electrified family.

The dual-motor configuration could also give the EV considerably more performance than the efficiency-focused hybrid versions.

Toyota has historically taken a multi-path approach to electrification rather than relying exclusively on battery-electric vehicles, and a Corolla lineup featuring hybrid, plug-in hybrid and EV models would fit directly into that strategy.

Gasoline Corolla Could Get a Turbocharged Engine

Despite the expansion of electrified powertrains, Toyota reportedly isn’t abandoning the internal-combustion Corolla.

The conventional gasoline-powered model could receive either a turbocharged 1.5-liter or 2.0-liter engine.

That would represent a significant change from the naturally aspirated engines used in many versions of the current Corolla and could provide a stronger combination of performance and efficiency.

The exact engine configuration remains unclear, but turbocharging could give the next Corolla more low-end torque while allowing Toyota to maintain relatively modest engine displacement.

GR Corolla Could Become a 400-PS Hot Hatch

At the top of the performance range, the GR Corolla is expected to continue with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.

However, the next-generation model could become considerably more powerful.

Reports suggest Toyota could target as much as 395 hp (295 kW/400 PS) for the next GR Corolla. That would push the compact performance car toward the 400-hp threshold and represent a substantial increase over the current model.

The GR Corolla’s existing formula—compact dimensions, turbocharged power and all-wheel drive—has already made it one of the most distinctive performance cars in Toyota’s lineup. More power could take the next-generation version into an even more serious performance category.

Whether the reported 395-hp figure becomes production reality remains to be seen.

One Corolla, Four Powertrain Strategies

If the reports prove accurate, Toyota could transform the Corolla from a relatively conventional compact car into a comprehensive family of electrified and performance-oriented models.

The expected lineup could look something like this:

  • Corolla Hybrid: 1.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid, around 134 hp, with potential AWD
  • Corolla Plug-In Hybrid: Larger battery and more powerful electric motor
  • Corolla EV: At least 250 miles of estimated range, with optional dual-motor AWD
  • Corolla Gasoline: Turbocharged 1.5-liter or 2.0-liter engine
  • GR Corolla: 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with potentially up to 395 hp

That would give Toyota a way to cover everything from maximum fuel efficiency to near-400-hp performance under a single globally recognized nameplate.

Source: Toyota

Škoda Karoq Black Edition Debuts as the Most Luxurious Karoq Yet

Škoda is giving its popular Karoq SUV a significant upgrade with the introduction of the new Karoq Black Edition, a range-topping model created to celebrate a major production milestone: the millionth Karoq rolling off the production line.

Positioned above the existing SportLine Edition, the new Škoda Karoq Black Edition combines an aggressive blacked-out exterior, a more luxurious cabin, additional technology and a choice of petrol and diesel powertrains. It will become the most comprehensively equipped Karoq ever offered by Škoda when orders open on 1 October 2026.

First deliveries are expected before the end of 2026, with UK pricing starting at £39,160.

Škoda Karoq Black Edition Gets a Distinctive Blacked-Out Design

The Karoq Black Edition takes the familiar SportLine specification and adds a much more distinctive visual identity.

The exterior is dominated by black detailing, including 19-inch Vega black alloy wheels, black roof rails, black door mirrors and a black radiator grille. Sports front and rear bumpers further separate the Black Edition from other versions of the Karoq.

Škoda has also fitted a rear diffuser and black Škoda and Karoq lettering on the tailgate. Buyers will be restricted to a monochrome metallic paint palette, reinforcing the model’s dark-themed appearance.

The result is a Karoq with a sportier and more sophisticated presence, while retaining the practical proportions that have made the compact SUV one of Škoda’s best-selling models.

More Luxury Inside the Karoq Black Edition

The changes are even more extensive inside.

The Škoda Karoq Black Edition comes standard with Sportline Suite leather seats, a panoramic glass sunroof and black headlining. An LED interior lighting package adds further ambience and includes a Škoda welcome logo.

The driver gets a three-spoke heated leather multifunction steering wheel, with DSG paddle shifters fitted to automatic versions, while aluminium pedals add a sportier touch.

Comfort has also been given a major focus. Both the front and rear seats are heated, while tri-zone climate control allows different temperature settings for different areas of the cabin.

For audiophiles, the Black Edition comes equipped with a CANTON sound system, adding a premium audio experience to the model’s already extensive standard specification.

Matrix LED Headlights and Advanced Chassis Technology

The new Karoq Black Edition isn’t simply an appearance package. Škoda has also upgraded the SUV’s lighting, comfort and driving technology.

Every Black Edition receives Full LED Matrix headlights with an adaptive front light system, cornering function and poor-weather lighting. A heated windscreen is also standard, making the SUV better suited to colder winter conditions.

The chassis specification is equally comprehensive. Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) and Progressive Steering are standard, giving the Karoq Black Edition a more sophisticated driving character while allowing the suspension and steering systems to adapt to different driving conditions.

Four Engines, Including DSG and 4×4 Options

Škoda will offer the Karoq Black Edition with four drivetrain configurations, giving buyers a choice between manual and dual-clutch automatic transmissions as well as front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

The entry point is the 1.5 TSI 150PS, available with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed DSG automatic.

Above it sits the 2.0 TSI 190PS, paired exclusively with a seven-speed DSG transmission and all-wheel drive. This provides the highest-output petrol powertrain available for the new Black Edition.

Diesel buyers get the 2.0 TDI 150PS, also equipped with a seven-speed DSG and all-wheel drive. It sits at the top of the Black Edition price range.

All engines are members of the Volkswagen Group’s EVO-generation engine family, designed to combine performance with improved efficiency.

Škoda Karoq Black Edition Price and Specifications

UK pricing for the new Karoq Black Edition starts at £39,160 OTR and rises to £46,035 for the range-topping diesel 4×4.

ModelUK Price OTR
Karoq Black Edition 1.5 TSI 150PS Manual£39,160
Karoq Black Edition 1.5 TSI 150PS DSG£40,610
Karoq Black Edition 2.0 TSI 190PS DSG 4×4£45,335
Karoq Black Edition 2.0 TDI 150PS DSG 4×4£46,035

Orders open on 1 October 2026, with the first customer deliveries expected by the end of the year.

Source: Škoda