Latest news with #noughties
The Sun
7 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Iconic compact convertible hinted at return after 20 years away – and could compete with the Mazda MX-5
DROP TOP Introduced back in 2003, it was widely respected for its balanced mid-engined layout - but it's production run ended just two years later AN ICONIC convertible could be returning to the road - some 20 years after it was discontinued. Better yet, the compact roadster might produce some fair competition for the world's most popular little convertible, the Mazda MX-5. 6 6 6 According to Auto Express, Smart has left the door open for the return of the Smart Roadster - with the brand preparing a successor for its famous ForTwo city car. Indeed, back in March, we reported on how the much-loved ForTwo - the quintessential 'park anywhere' city car of the noughties - is being considered for a comeback in the coming years after being pulled from the market last year. That could spell good news for the Roadster model too, a two-door, two-seater convertible that was Smart's sports car offering at the time. Introduced back in 2003, it was widely respected for its balanced mid-engined layout - with iconic F1 designer Gordon Murray a famous fan who used the Roadster as his daily driver. The model was ultimately discontinued in November 2005, with just over 43,000 units produced. In a recent interview, Smart UK CEO Jason Allbutt talked fondly about the Roadster, saying: 'We used to have one of those in the family, and [it was] particularly good fun. 'For a country that has more rain than probably any other European market, we are lovers of coupés and roadsters. 'So yes, I could see a possibility for such a car in the UK.' Allbutt did however reiterate that nothing is concrete and that the brand currently focussed on the launch of its biggest model yet - the all-new Smart #5 SUV - with an electric family hatchback called Smart #6 to follow. ELECTRIC FEEL As the industry continues to transition into electric power, several marques are lining up all-electric sports cars to replace their ICE counterparts. New Nissan Leaf tested - it's bigger, better and goes further An electric version of the universally acclaimed Alpine A110 is already in the pipeline, while Porsche is rumoured to be lining up some kind of Boxster/Cayman EV. Meanwhile, Lotus are waiting for battery tech to catch up - especially in terms of weight - before drawing up an exciting electric sequel to the Elise. Even the aforementioned MX-5 is being earmarked for an electric replacement in the coming years. But according to Auto Express, Allbutt appears to have reservations about whether petrolheads are ready to embrace electric convertibles. Smart Roadster history First introduced in 2002 43,091 produced between August 2002 and November 2005 Produced in Hambach, France Created following Smart's "reduce to the max" philosophy Coupe and Roadster introduced in 2002 were designed to be reminiscent of classic British roadsters like the Triumph Spitfire and MG B Roadster was powered by a 45 or 60kW version of the turbocharged 698cc 3-cylinder Suprex engine in the rear Roadster Coupe had the more powerful 60kW option only Car weighed as little as 790kg - creating the emotion of driving a sports car at an affordable cost Awarded Fun Car Of The Year by Top Gear in 2005 He said: 'I think a lot of people that drive these cars historically have been traditional car enthusiasts. 'Part of the joy of having the roof down, in case you have less hair to be ruffled nowadays, is also to hear the sound of the engine. 'Maybe there's a new audience that would be looking at [an electric roadster] in a different way. I'm not quite sure yet as to who the buyers of that car really are. 'It's too early to tell right now, but we'll see.' 6 6
Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Lizzie Cundy, 56, reveals how heartbreak from footballer ex made her feel 'lonely and isolated' as she opens up about the realities of being a WAG in the noughties
Lizzie Cundy has opened up about the realities of being a WAG in the noughties as she shared the 'lonely and isolating' reality of her split from her footballer ex. The TV star, 56, got married to the former Chelsea player Jason Cundy, 55, in 1994, after meeting at a nightclub in Richmond, London. Lizzie split from Jason in 2012 after discovering his affair with opera singer Hannah Pedley. Now, in a new BBC documentary titled Sex After Celebrity, Lizzie revealed the difficulties she faced with being in the public eye at the height of her fame. Reflecting on the period when her marriage split became public, she described it as the 'most awful time' in her life. She said: 'It was the most awful time when my marriage split up, not just because it was a marriage splitting up and family was being split up, it was because it was on the front page of the papers. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'There's a picture of me in a swimsuit, looking over my shoulder, and it was all about my marriage split, and I didn't even know about it myself. And it was the reaction of other people as well. 'Friends I knew didn't know what to say. The mums at school would cross the road from me because they were embarrassed. 'They didn't really know what to say. So it actually became quite a lonely existence.' She continued: 'And not knowing who to trust, actually doubting friends, thinking, "Could they have put that story in?" or, you know, "I only told that person, so how did it get in?" 'And quizzing and questioning people that you've known a lifetime. So that side was awful.' Following the breakdown of her high-profile marriage, Lizzie found it hard to go back into the dating pool. She explained: 'It's difficult when you've been in a very high-profile relationship and then go into dating, because you have a trust issue. I certainly did. 'And I've actually been on a date where we're sitting there and I've seen him push his phone, and I thought, "I think you're recording me." Reflecting on the period when her marriage split became public, she described it as the 'most awful time' in her life 'So I just said it out, "Is your phone on? Are you recording?" And he just went, "Yeah..."' Fast forward to present day, the beauty has found a new lease of life for dating, as she described it was 'great now'. She went on to date England rugby player Danny Cipriani and has since enjoyed some other relationships out of the public eye. The TV star said: 'I am loving dating. I do long-distance relationships, which is fantastic. 'So, you know, you can send little naughty pics and you just keep it fresh. They're not there all the time, getting on your nerves. 'You know, guys are good for different things. You know, I used to have one guy and I'd think, "Oh, if only he was a little bit more fun and wanted to go out at night". 'I've got guys, you know, one likes football, one likes going out for dinner, one makes me laugh, one's good in bed, you know? Got it all. 'So that's what... I'm free. I love it, and I've never been happier.' Sex After Celebrity is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Vogue
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue
Kaia Gerber Is a Dead Ringer for Cindy Crawford in Full Noughties Attire
Yeehaw! Kaia Gerber brought a touch of cowgirl flair to Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter tour. The model joined actors Odessa A'Zion and Jordan Firstman for the Los Angeles stop on Bey's tour. While everyone and their mother is breaking out their Kemo Sabe-sponsored Westernwear, Gerber chose instead to tap into the noughties. She opted for an asymmetrical black ab-baring crop top, which she paired with low-slung flare jeans. (In keeping with the tour's cowboy theme, Gerber employed a thick brown leather belt to serve as her tie to the Wild West.) Kaia Gerber at the Beyoncé concert in Los Angeles. Khrome / BACKGRIDUSA Cindy Crawford in 1991. Photo: Ron Galella / Getty Images As if the asymmetrical crop top and low-waisted flares weren't enough of a callback to the noughties, Gerber's round, oversized sunglasses looked as though they hadn't been touched in 25 years. While Gerber has always drawn comparisons to her mother, Cindy Crawford, the pair have never looked more alike. The look was reminiscent of one of Crawford's most recognizable model-off-duty outfits: a pair of blue Levi's with a thick brown belt, a black turtleneck, and a black Alaïa leather jacket. Now, in her own model-off-duty look, Kaia Gerber is offering her take on her mother's trademark noughties style.
