This week's gossip from the automotive industry has news of Jaguar's F-Type SVR struggle to surpass 200mph, Ferrari's consumer statistics, Audi's TT range and Volvo hybrids.
F-Type SVR challenge
Making the Jaguar F-Type SVR into a 200mph car was a “significant challenge”, according to Special Vehicle Operations director Mark Stanton, “but one the engineers all loved”.
It was tricky to balance the aerodynamic needs for reducing drag and lift, he said. A large wing would have reduced lift, but it increased drag, hence the focus on optimising the car’s smooth underbody.
Read more: Jaguar F-Type convertible review, Jaguar F-Type SVR review
Ferrari statistics
Seven in 10 buyers of the Ferrari California T are new to the brand and owners of the car do 30% more miles each day than owners of any other Ferrari.
One in five buyers use the California T as their daily driver, and two-thirds always have one or more passengers. F12 owners, meanwhile, cover more miles than 488 GTB or Spider owners. They are also Ferrari’s most loyal customers, with two-thirds of them having previously owned a Ferrari.
Read more: Ferrari California T review, Ferrari 488 GTB review
Extended Audi TT range in doubt
Audi's plans to extend the TT range with either Offroad or Sportback models is rumoured to be in doubt. The company has revealed a number of TT concepts since the 2014 Paris show and subsequently majored on these two variations, indicating that it would pick one for production.
Officially that’s still the case, but there are now signs of the company backing away from the plan.
Read more: Audi TT review, 2017 Audi A5 coupé and S5 revealed
Volvo hybrids
Following the introduction of Volvo’s four-cylinder engines, sources say the chances of the brand going back to making six-cylinder or eight-cylinder engines are slim.
It is far more likely that Volvo will launch hybrid performance cars, with electric motors adding the extra power.
Read more: Volvo XC40 crossover concept revealed, 2016 Volvo V90 D5 review
