Latest news with #Mk2
Auto Blog
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
This $115K Tribute to the Ford Escort Aims for Driving Purity Over Power
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. A Legend Reborn by Modern Hands Once a humble rally hero, the Ford Escort has become an unlikely legend. Especially the Mk1 and Mk2 models – lean, lightweight, rear-wheel-drive machines that left a lasting mark on motorsport and the hearts of enthusiasts. Now, British outfit MST (Motorsport Tools) is keeping that spirit alive. Known for resurrecting these iconic Escorts with hand-built creations that blend modern engineering with vintage style, MST has earned a reputation for doing it right. Their latest project, the Mk1 and Mk2 Sports, dials back the wildness of their 230-horsepower builds and returns to basics. This time, it's all about pure and analog driving, without the extreme price tag. Relatively speaking, anyway. Previous Pause Next Unmute 0:00 / 0:10 Full screen 2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Chevrolet Traverse: Which is America's best family hauler? Watch More Built Like the Good Old Days, Only Better Scheduled for production in 2026 (Mk1) and 2027 (Mk2), the new Sports models are a nod to the narrow-arched AVO and RS Escorts of the '60s and '70s. Power comes from a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated twin-cam engine with Jenvey throttle bodies, producing 180 hp. That's routed through a 5-speed T5 manual gearbox and into a live rear axle with a torque-biasing differential. Suspension is Group 1 spec with adjustable dampers and a Twin Cam anti-roll bar, while braking is handled by four-piston calipers gripping vented discs. The body is all-new, hand-built in the UK with reinforced panels, and comes standard in white with AVO flared arches, chrome trim, and classic 6×13-inch four-spoke alloys. Inside, it's a retro-styled two-seater layout with sports recliners, a suede steering wheel, and luggage space in the rear. It's got modern electrics for daily reliability, but otherwise it's gloriously simple. Buyers can spec it further with period-correct paint, rally stripes, Cibie spot lamps, Minilite wheels, and more. Twice the Price, Twice the Charm Starting at £74,500 before taxes, or around $115,000 at current exchange rates, the MST Mk1 Sports costs about twice as much as a brand-new S650 Mustang GT. That's a steep ask for something visually inspired by an old Escort, but there's more to the story. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Each unit is hand-assembled in limited numbers (just 25 of each variant), with brand-new bodyshells, top-tier componentry, and the kind of focused craftsmanship that no factory Ford could offer. It's less a car for mass-market muscle buyers and more a collector-grade machine for those who want the feel of a classic, without the compromises of 50-year-old hardware. It's an indulgence, yes, but a sensible one for fans of the rallying legend. Source: MST About the Author Jacob Oliva View Profile
News18
01-07-2025
- Business
- News18
Rajnath Singh Pushes Pentagon Chief On Timely Delivery Of GE-414 Fighter Jet Engines: Sources
Last Updated: India is collaborating with US giant General Electric (GE) to co-produce F-414 jet engines for its Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk2 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft Defence Minister Rajnath Singh raised the issue of the timely delivery of F-404 jet engines during talks with his US counterpart, Pete Hegseth, sources told CNN-News18. Singh had a phone conversation with US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, during which the two leaders had an 'excellent discussion" reviewing ongoing efforts and exploring new initiatives to further strengthen the India-US defence partnership. India is collaborating with US giant General Electric (GE) to co-produce F-414 jet engines for its Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk2 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The deal involves a substantial transfer of technology (ToT) to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), aiming to enhance India's defence manufacturing capabilities and reduce dependence on imports.
The Irish Sun
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Top 10 hot hatches on sale right now for under £5,000 – from iconic VW to snazzy Mazda
BRIT drivers are snapping up budget hot hatches that offer big performance for small money – and you can too. We've picked 10 of the best on sale right now for under £5,000, including everything from iconic VWs to snazzy Mazdas and track-ready tearaways.. Advertisement Citroen DS3 Racing (first generation) 10 This example's going for only £4,495 Credit: Alamy Originally planned as a 1,000-car special, the DS3 Racing ended up being built in double that number thanks to sky-high demand. Even so, it's still a rare find. With just over 200bhp, firmed-up suspension and carbon fibre accents, it's a serious bit of kit – and this example's going for only £4,495. Volkswagen Golf R32 (Mk5) 10 This one slips under the £5k mark – or go retro with the same engine in a Mk2 body Credit: Alamy A Advertisement Read more on Motors The Mk5 R32 packs a six-cylinder punch and sounds glorious all the way to its 6,800rpm redline. Expect 247bhp, 236lb ft of torque and 0–62mph in just 6.5 seconds. Best of all, this one slips under the £5k mark – or go retro with the same engine in a Mk2 body. Mazda 3 MPS (second generation) 10 HT3W1E 2012 Mazda 3 MPS Artist: Unknown. Credit: Alamy Advertisement Loud looks meet serious firepower. Most read in Motors Latest Add in stiffer suspension, upgraded dampers and a limited-slip diff, and you've got yourself a proper street sleeper. Vauxhall Corsa VXR (E) 10 It's a loud, proud VXR that doesn't try to blend in – and that's the point Advertisement As British as a Sunday roast. This hot It's a loud, proud Ford Focus ST (third generation) 10 The 2011 Amsterdam motorshow was running from April 12 until April 23, in the RAI event center in Amsterdam Credit: Getty Advertisement This metallic blue ST-3 is listed at £4,980 – and it's a lot of car for the cash. Inside, you get Recaro leather seats, illuminated buttons and a boost gauge. It's covered 112,500 miles but still looks sharp. If you want something even wilder, how about a Martini-liveried XR2 track car? Renault Clio 172 (X65) 10 At just 900kg, it feels twice as fast as it is – and it's yours for under £3,000 Advertisement Don't be fooled by its modest 172bhp. This featherweight Phase 3 has been stripped, lightened and track-prepped with race seats, harnesses and a fire extinguisher. At just 900kg, it feels twice as fast as it is – and it's yours for under £3,000. Audi S3 (second generation) 10 One version even comes with a six-speed manual and lashings of silver paint. Classy and quick. Credit: YouTube Advertisement A grown-up hot hatch with serious grunt. The second-gen S3 puts out 261bhp and 258lb ft from a turbocharged four-cylinder, good for 0–62mph in under six seconds. One version even comes with a six-speed manual and lashings of silver paint. Seat Leon Cupra R (second generation) 10 Seat Leon Cupra R, 19in wheels and a 261bhp turbocharged Credit: Handout Advertisement This one's got some miles – 153,000 to be exact – but it's a high-spec gem. Quilted leather, red calipers, 19in wheels and a 261bhp turbocharged engine make it a compelling pick. Volkswagen Scirocco R (third generation) 10 Long bonnet, sleek lines, serious presence Credit: Handout You'll need to haggle hard to get it under budget, but the Scirocco R remains one of the best-looking hot hatches of the modern era. Advertisement Long bonnet, sleek lines, serious presence. Wildcard: Vauxhall Astra GSI (third generation) 10 The Vauxhall Astra GSi 16v, has a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated lump putting out 150bhp Credit: check copyright A red-top slice of Nineties nostalgia. This Astra GSI started life as a lowly Merit but now sports a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated lump putting out 150bhp. Advertisement
Scottish Sun
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Inside major car brand's new ‘iconic' hatchback EV to be built at huge UK factory – as firm raises £5bn to stay afloat
The new model has undergone a significant redesign ROAD AHEAD Inside major car brand's new 'iconic' hatchback EV to be built at huge UK factory – as firm raises £5bn to stay afloat Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A STRUGGLING car brand has released details of its new electric crossover ahead of a full reveal later this month. Built at a huge factory in Sunderland, the Nissan Leaf is set to join the market later this year. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 The third-generation Nissan Leaf is set to launch later this year Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk 5 Its sleek, higher-riding design emphasises aerodynamics and range Credit: Nissan 5 The car features an electrochromic dimming panoramic roof Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk 5 The Nissan Leaf has sold 700,000 models since its 2010 debut Credit: Getty Now in its third-generation, the electric crossover is scheduled to begin production over the next few months. The launch comes amid the company's financial struggles after they announced £4 billion in losses. As other manufacturers are slowing production on EVs, Nissan's Sunderland factory is focusing more on these eco-friendly alternatives. The company has reduced its production from 17 to 10 factories, with an announcement that 20,000 jobs will be lost. Its newest model has been announced as part of this focus on EVs. Global product strategy boss Richard Candler told Autocar that the latest model was informed by customer feedback since the car's 2010 debut. He said: "Leaf is an icon for us. It's one of our core 'heartbeat' models." First launched in 2010, the Leaf was one of the first mass-market electric cars. Nissan has sold 700,000 Leafs since 2010, covering over 28 billion kilometres. Richard added: "We have really substantial, real-world insight about the customer - understanding how their needs have evolved from the early days of Leaf until now." The company has substantially changed this version's shape and positioning, learning from their Mk1 and Mk2 models. This results in more aerodynamic efficiency, helping to achieve a longer range. While not being officially announced until the debut later this month, its estimated maximum range is 372 miles. The new design reflects a wider market shift away from traditional hatchbacks towards higher-riding cars. Japanese giant unveils its new bargain EV with quirky 'bug eye' headlights It means that the Nissan Leaf could rival cars like the Skoda Elroq. While few details have been announced so far, European product boss François Bailly said they were emphasising "real-world range." This means they have prioritised range and aerodynamics with the design to ensure motorists get the most out of their EV. Global design boss Alfonso Albaisa added: "It's very modern, simple and nice. "We wanted something tailored, handsome, well-proportioned, with a super-tech interior that feels open and cool." It will include features like an electrochromic dimming panoramic roof with heat shielding, creating more headspace by removing the need for physical blinds. Its in-car systems are equipped with their updated Car and Connected Service platform, using a Google-based infotainment system and advanced driver assistance systems to "make your life easier." The new model is launching amidst the company's financial problems. Over the last few weeks, Nissan has announced plans to cut 20,000 jobs, and reported £4billion in losses leading to an £1 billion government bailout. To save on costs, they plan on closing down seven of their factories, with its only UK based factory focusing more on electric cars. During this turbulent period, production on some models has stalled. The company may need to sell its £500 million Yokohama-based global headquarters to combat its extensive losses.
Mint
04-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
‘Factually incorrect': HAL dismisses reports of stalled GE414 engine deal, confirms ‘negotiations on track'
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) on Wednesday, June 4, has denied certain media reports claiming that its negotiations with General Electric (GE) over the local production of GE414 engines have stalled. The state-run aerospace and defence company called the report factually incorrect and misleading. Certain reports suggested that talks between HAL and GE had faltered and that HAL was exploring engine alternatives with other manufacturers for its light combat aircraft (LCA) Mk2 programme. The defence PSU dismissed this as false. HAL, in a statement, made it clear that the report was factually incorrect and misleading. "An online article has inaccurately reported that negotiations between HAL and GE for the local production of GE414 engines have stalled, suggesting that HAL is now in talks with another engine manufacturer," said the HAL statement. HAL reiterates that negotiations with GE are on track and progressing well, and that HAL is not in talks with any other company regarding engines for LCA MK2. "Any information suggesting otherwise is incorrect," it added. According to earlier reports, HAL formed a Contract Negotiation Committee to oversee discussions with GE. Talks reportedly began on December 3, 2024, and while no final agreement has been reached, HAL has asked GE for specific technical documents to assess the proposed transfer of technology. In June 2023, HAL and GE Aerospace signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to produce fighter jet engines for the Indian Air Force. The agreement was signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to the United States, and it was a key element in strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries. The agreement included the potential joint production of GE Aerospace's F414 engines in India. The MoU was part of the Indian Air Force's Light Combat Aircraft Mk2 program. The GE414 engine is a key component for the Tejas Mark 2, an upgraded version of India's indigenous fighter jet. The ongoing deal with GE is expected to involve technology and pave the way for local production, furthering India's long-term goal of strategic autonomy in aerospace.
