Richard Lane

1 week ago | autocar.co.uk | Richard Lane

You wouldn’t think an electrically powered tailgate could be the topic of engrossing chatter, because 99.9% of the time it can’t. But then you find yourself in a room with Denis Le Vot, and suddenly it’s as if Walter Röhrl is explaining that the next Porsche 911 is going to get a V12. Le Vot, an engineer by training, is the CEO of Dacia. He’s one of those fascinating, shrewd execs who’s been around the corporate block.

1 week ago | buff.ly | Richard Lane

In truth, this powertrain is about far more than the 3.4sec 0-62mph time with which it endows the Speed. It's a more charismatic performer than the old 6.0-litre W12, spinning more freely and with greater shape – and with only a very slight deficit in terms of low-rev torque. The W12 pumped out 664lb ft from only 1500rpm, whereas this new V8 manages 627lb ft from 2250rpm.

2 weeks ago | autocar.co.uk | James Attwood |Illya Verpraet |Richard Lane

Of the handful of five-star road test verdicts awarded by Autocar in recent years, none surprised me as much as that for the latest Skoda Superb Estate. The thing is, I’m not really sure why.

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Richard Lane

Family and guests will require few directions to find the grand-scale, seven-figure Mediterranean-style home listed for sale on 107th Street. They only need to look behind one of Johnston’s landmark water towers, right on the border with Grimes. Large in scope but heated and cooled by net-zero energy-efficient upgrades eligible for state and federal tax credits, the $1.7 million property occupies a convenient location, with the option to comfortably accommodate an extended family.

3 weeks ago | buff.ly | Illya Verpraet |Richard Lane

The differences between the Tour and Sport modes aren’t enormous. The sense of mild rear bias to the torque split is slightly more pronounced in Sport than in Tour, and the air suspension firms up a little. Some might wish for more differentiation, but unlike in many cars with different suspension settings, Sport mode remains usable on UK roads. You get the sense the suspension is fighting a little to keep the body in check over very bumpy roads.