Range Rover Sport SVR the fastest SUV around the Nurburgring

By Tim Pollard Motoring Issues 30 July 2014 11:35 In a questionable bout of willy-waving, Land Rover today announced one of the most pointless speed records we’ve yet heard: the new Range Rover Sport SVR became the fastest production SUV around the Nurburgring. The breathed-over RR SVR lapped the Nordschleife in 8min 14sec, spelling out the performance credentials of the fastest ever Land Rover. The record was set by a standard production SVR, which will be unveiled sans disguise later this summer.

Hyundai Curb concept

Hyundai has teased its NAIAS concept, the Curb, ahead of its official unveiling next week, where it will debut alongside a production version of the company's Veloster coupe. The Curb is a compact crossover with a coupe roofline, tapered DLO and exaggerated wheel arches reminiscent of the Nissan Juke, and is similarly difficult to judge in terms of scale from these images. While its exterior appears production feasible, the Curb's interior would seem to live up to its 'concept' billing, with extensive use of smart materials and touchscreen HMI.

Tesla system will swap a Model S battery in 90 seconds

"This is the title fight," said Elon Musk, in typical brashness. "This is battery-powered versus gasoline." The Tesla CEO preached this to a crowd of Tesla owners and supporters while formally confirming the company's worst-kept secret: the fact that the Model S sedan's batteries were designed from the beginning to be swapped out. The system Tesla envisioned has plenty of ambitious, techno-wizardry automation, with a focus on as much convenience as possible: The Model S will drive over a pit containing machinery which automatically changes the battery from underneath in approximately 90 seconds -- and the driver doesn't even have to get out of the car.