Tim Pitt
@timpitt100.bsky.social
UK car journalist at Motoring Research. Words on websites and in print, plus social media for The Intercooler.
A (steady) Sunday drive in the Emira Turbo SE.
This car has the Sport chassis, which feels a bit restless on UK roads. The softer Tour setup is the one I’d choose.
Hydraulic steering is sublime, but I’m less sold on the four-pot engine. Think I’d have the V6 with a manual ’box.
This car has the Sport chassis, which feels a bit restless on UK roads. The softer Tour setup is the one I’d choose.
Hydraulic steering is sublime, but I’m less sold on the four-pot engine. Think I’d have the V6 with a manual ’box.
January 3, 2026 at 3:47 PM
A (steady) Sunday drive in the Emira Turbo SE.
This car has the Sport chassis, which feels a bit restless on UK roads. The softer Tour setup is the one I’d choose.
Hydraulic steering is sublime, but I’m less sold on the four-pot engine. Think I’d have the V6 with a manual ’box.
This car has the Sport chassis, which feels a bit restless on UK roads. The softer Tour setup is the one I’d choose.
Hydraulic steering is sublime, but I’m less sold on the four-pot engine. Think I’d have the V6 with a manual ’box.
‘While others have multi-model ranges and sprawling options lists, Chery has kept it simple; there’s one plug-in hybrid powertrain and a single, fully-loaded Summit specification.’
Read my review of the seven-seat Chery Tiggo 9 CSH – now live on City AM: www.cityam.com/chery-tiggo-...
Read my review of the seven-seat Chery Tiggo 9 CSH – now live on City AM: www.cityam.com/chery-tiggo-...
January 3, 2026 at 9:33 AM
‘While others have multi-model ranges and sprawling options lists, Chery has kept it simple; there’s one plug-in hybrid powertrain and a single, fully-loaded Summit specification.’
Read my review of the seven-seat Chery Tiggo 9 CSH – now live on City AM: www.cityam.com/chery-tiggo-...
Read my review of the seven-seat Chery Tiggo 9 CSH – now live on City AM: www.cityam.com/chery-tiggo-...
A few people asked to see inside the Emira Turbo SE.
There are a few quirks (such as having to pull the shifter twice to select drive or reverse), but quality is good and the infotainment works well.
Boot holds just 151 litres, but there is another 208 litres behind the seats.
There are a few quirks (such as having to pull the shifter twice to select drive or reverse), but quality is good and the infotainment works well.
Boot holds just 151 litres, but there is another 208 litres behind the seats.
January 1, 2026 at 2:46 PM
A few people asked to see inside the Emira Turbo SE.
There are a few quirks (such as having to pull the shifter twice to select drive or reverse), but quality is good and the infotainment works well.
Boot holds just 151 litres, but there is another 208 litres behind the seats.
There are a few quirks (such as having to pull the shifter twice to select drive or reverse), but quality is good and the infotainment works well.
Boot holds just 151 litres, but there is another 208 litres behind the seats.
Night drive in the Lotus Emira Turbo SE.
Four-cylinder 2.0 engine and eight-speed DCT are shared with the Mercedes-AMG A45 S hot hatchback and new AMG GT43 coupe.
Peak power is 406hp at 6,800rpm: good for 0-62mph in 4.8 sec (soundtracked by lots of fluttery wastegate noises).
Four-cylinder 2.0 engine and eight-speed DCT are shared with the Mercedes-AMG A45 S hot hatchback and new AMG GT43 coupe.
Peak power is 406hp at 6,800rpm: good for 0-62mph in 4.8 sec (soundtracked by lots of fluttery wastegate noises).
December 30, 2025 at 10:26 PM
Night drive in the Lotus Emira Turbo SE.
Four-cylinder 2.0 engine and eight-speed DCT are shared with the Mercedes-AMG A45 S hot hatchback and new AMG GT43 coupe.
Peak power is 406hp at 6,800rpm: good for 0-62mph in 4.8 sec (soundtracked by lots of fluttery wastegate noises).
Four-cylinder 2.0 engine and eight-speed DCT are shared with the Mercedes-AMG A45 S hot hatchback and new AMG GT43 coupe.
Peak power is 406hp at 6,800rpm: good for 0-62mph in 4.8 sec (soundtracked by lots of fluttery wastegate noises).
BMW 760Li spotted in Caterham.
The long-wheelbase E66 version, with a 445hp 6.0-litre direct injection V12
Not a (V8 supercharged) Alpina B7, despite the front spoiler and wheels.
The long-wheelbase E66 version, with a 445hp 6.0-litre direct injection V12
Not a (V8 supercharged) Alpina B7, despite the front spoiler and wheels.
December 29, 2025 at 12:40 PM
BMW 760Li spotted in Caterham.
The long-wheelbase E66 version, with a 445hp 6.0-litre direct injection V12
Not a (V8 supercharged) Alpina B7, despite the front spoiler and wheels.
The long-wheelbase E66 version, with a 445hp 6.0-litre direct injection V12
Not a (V8 supercharged) Alpina B7, despite the front spoiler and wheels.
‘Peak power of 182hp is scarcely warm hatchback territory in 2025, but the Kamm also weighs about the same as an oversized touchscreen and a pair of cupholders.’
Read my review of the Kamm 912C Full Carbon in the latest issue of Copacetic magazine.
Order your copy here: copaceticmagazine.co.uk
Read my review of the Kamm 912C Full Carbon in the latest issue of Copacetic magazine.
Order your copy here: copaceticmagazine.co.uk
December 27, 2025 at 8:35 AM
‘Peak power of 182hp is scarcely warm hatchback territory in 2025, but the Kamm also weighs about the same as an oversized touchscreen and a pair of cupholders.’
Read my review of the Kamm 912C Full Carbon in the latest issue of Copacetic magazine.
Order your copy here: copaceticmagazine.co.uk
Read my review of the Kamm 912C Full Carbon in the latest issue of Copacetic magazine.
Order your copy here: copaceticmagazine.co.uk
Reposted by Tim Pitt
The new issue of Copacetic is our most popular yet - in-store sales after the first week are already 40% up on the previous issue. So you’d better grab it fast before it sells out!
Single issues are available here: copaceticmagazine.co.uk/product-cate...
Single issues are available here: copaceticmagazine.co.uk/product-cate...
December 23, 2025 at 7:06 PM
The new issue of Copacetic is our most popular yet - in-store sales after the first week are already 40% up on the previous issue. So you’d better grab it fast before it sells out!
Single issues are available here: copaceticmagazine.co.uk/product-cate...
Single issues are available here: copaceticmagazine.co.uk/product-cate...
Early Christmas present: I have taken delivery of this Emira Turbo SE for the next few weeks.
‘Purple Haze’ paint colour looks more Lamborghini than Lotus – proper junior supercar vibes, I think.
Anything you want to know?
‘Purple Haze’ paint colour looks more Lamborghini than Lotus – proper junior supercar vibes, I think.
Anything you want to know?
December 23, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Early Christmas present: I have taken delivery of this Emira Turbo SE for the next few weeks.
‘Purple Haze’ paint colour looks more Lamborghini than Lotus – proper junior supercar vibes, I think.
Anything you want to know?
‘Purple Haze’ paint colour looks more Lamborghini than Lotus – proper junior supercar vibes, I think.
Anything you want to know?
‘Perhaps the greatest compliment you could pay van Roij’s work is to say Henry II resembles a long-lost factory prototype.’
Grab issue 4 of Copacetic magazine for my review of the Rolls-Royce Corniche shooting brake by Niels van Roij Design.
Buy a copy or subscribe here: copaceticmagazine.co.uk
Grab issue 4 of Copacetic magazine for my review of the Rolls-Royce Corniche shooting brake by Niels van Roij Design.
Buy a copy or subscribe here: copaceticmagazine.co.uk
December 20, 2025 at 1:03 PM
‘Perhaps the greatest compliment you could pay van Roij’s work is to say Henry II resembles a long-lost factory prototype.’
Grab issue 4 of Copacetic magazine for my review of the Rolls-Royce Corniche shooting brake by Niels van Roij Design.
Buy a copy or subscribe here: copaceticmagazine.co.uk
Grab issue 4 of Copacetic magazine for my review of the Rolls-Royce Corniche shooting brake by Niels van Roij Design.
Buy a copy or subscribe here: copaceticmagazine.co.uk
‘While its Speed and Supersports siblings each fill a niche, this regular Continental GT feels more entwined with Bentley’s core DNA.’
Read my review of the Bentley Continental GT Azure – now live on Motoring Research: www.motoringresearch.com/car-reviews/...
Read my review of the Bentley Continental GT Azure – now live on Motoring Research: www.motoringresearch.com/car-reviews/...
December 17, 2025 at 3:27 PM
‘While its Speed and Supersports siblings each fill a niche, this regular Continental GT feels more entwined with Bentley’s core DNA.’
Read my review of the Bentley Continental GT Azure – now live on Motoring Research: www.motoringresearch.com/car-reviews/...
Read my review of the Bentley Continental GT Azure – now live on Motoring Research: www.motoringresearch.com/car-reviews/...
‘There are certain faux pas that wedding guests must avoid at all costs. Such as rocking up with the roof down in an Aston Martin Vanquish Volante.’
Read my review of Aston’s flagship GT car in the new issue of City AM Magazine.
Or find it online: www.cityam.com/aston-martin...
Read my review of Aston’s flagship GT car in the new issue of City AM Magazine.
Or find it online: www.cityam.com/aston-martin...
December 15, 2025 at 11:41 AM
‘There are certain faux pas that wedding guests must avoid at all costs. Such as rocking up with the roof down in an Aston Martin Vanquish Volante.’
Read my review of Aston’s flagship GT car in the new issue of City AM Magazine.
Or find it online: www.cityam.com/aston-martin...
Read my review of Aston’s flagship GT car in the new issue of City AM Magazine.
Or find it online: www.cityam.com/aston-martin...
Bentley Continental GT Azure on test.
Vital stats: 680hp, 686lb ft, 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds, 168mph, 2,459kg, 53 miles of electric range, 217mpg and 29g/km.
Price before options: £244,300. Price as tested: £279,735.
Vital stats: 680hp, 686lb ft, 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds, 168mph, 2,459kg, 53 miles of electric range, 217mpg and 29g/km.
Price before options: £244,300. Price as tested: £279,735.
December 14, 2025 at 8:36 AM
Bentley Continental GT Azure on test.
Vital stats: 680hp, 686lb ft, 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds, 168mph, 2,459kg, 53 miles of electric range, 217mpg and 29g/km.
Price before options: £244,300. Price as tested: £279,735.
Vital stats: 680hp, 686lb ft, 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds, 168mph, 2,459kg, 53 miles of electric range, 217mpg and 29g/km.
Price before options: £244,300. Price as tested: £279,735.
Inside the Bentley Continental GT Azure.
‘Postural Adjust’ seats use inflatable air pockets to reduce fatigue on long journeys.
Open-pore walnut veneer is the standard finish, but the Naim audio system is a £7,350 upgrade.
‘Postural Adjust’ seats use inflatable air pockets to reduce fatigue on long journeys.
Open-pore walnut veneer is the standard finish, but the Naim audio system is a £7,350 upgrade.
December 11, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Inside the Bentley Continental GT Azure.
‘Postural Adjust’ seats use inflatable air pockets to reduce fatigue on long journeys.
Open-pore walnut veneer is the standard finish, but the Naim audio system is a £7,350 upgrade.
‘Postural Adjust’ seats use inflatable air pockets to reduce fatigue on long journeys.
Open-pore walnut veneer is the standard finish, but the Naim audio system is a £7,350 upgrade.
Also spotted this Evora Sport 430 in the Encor workshop.
The fastest Lotus road car ever when launched in 2017, with a 430hp supercharged 3.5-litre Toyota V6 and a titanium exhaust.
The fastest Lotus road car ever when launched in 2017, with a 430hp supercharged 3.5-litre Toyota V6 and a titanium exhaust.
December 10, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Also spotted this Evora Sport 430 in the Encor workshop.
The fastest Lotus road car ever when launched in 2017, with a 430hp supercharged 3.5-litre Toyota V6 and a titanium exhaust.
The fastest Lotus road car ever when launched in 2017, with a 430hp supercharged 3.5-litre Toyota V6 and a titanium exhaust.
Lotus Esprit Sport 350 in the Encor workshop.
One-of-50 final edition Esprit has a 350hp V8, five-speed manual ’box, thinner fibreglass body panels, AP Racing brakes, stiffer suspension and a carbon fibre rear spoiler.
Not one that will be getting the restomod treatment!
One-of-50 final edition Esprit has a 350hp V8, five-speed manual ’box, thinner fibreglass body panels, AP Racing brakes, stiffer suspension and a carbon fibre rear spoiler.
Not one that will be getting the restomod treatment!
December 10, 2025 at 1:44 PM
Lotus Esprit Sport 350 in the Encor workshop.
One-of-50 final edition Esprit has a 350hp V8, five-speed manual ’box, thinner fibreglass body panels, AP Racing brakes, stiffer suspension and a carbon fibre rear spoiler.
Not one that will be getting the restomod treatment!
One-of-50 final edition Esprit has a 350hp V8, five-speed manual ’box, thinner fibreglass body panels, AP Racing brakes, stiffer suspension and a carbon fibre rear spoiler.
Not one that will be getting the restomod treatment!
This fabulous 1976 Lotus Esprit S1 is one of only 10 white cars with the optional tartan interior.
Its fibreglass body is combined with a 162hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. Kerb weight is just 900kg.
The Giugiaro wedge in its purest form?
Its fibreglass body is combined with a 162hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. Kerb weight is just 900kg.
The Giugiaro wedge in its purest form?
December 10, 2025 at 1:07 PM
This fabulous 1976 Lotus Esprit S1 is one of only 10 white cars with the optional tartan interior.
Its fibreglass body is combined with a 162hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. Kerb weight is just 900kg.
The Giugiaro wedge in its purest form?
Its fibreglass body is combined with a 162hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. Kerb weight is just 900kg.
The Giugiaro wedge in its purest form?
Encor Series 1 retains the Esprit’s pop-up headlights, but with LED projector lamps.
You won’t find any Morris Marina door handles here, though – the solenoid door releases are hidden within the side air intakes.
Wheels are billet-machined 17-inch rims with Bridgestone tyres.
You won’t find any Morris Marina door handles here, though – the solenoid door releases are hidden within the side air intakes.
Wheels are billet-machined 17-inch rims with Bridgestone tyres.
December 10, 2025 at 12:17 PM
Encor Series 1 retains the Esprit’s pop-up headlights, but with LED projector lamps.
You won’t find any Morris Marina door handles here, though – the solenoid door releases are hidden within the side air intakes.
Wheels are billet-machined 17-inch rims with Bridgestone tyres.
You won’t find any Morris Marina door handles here, though – the solenoid door releases are hidden within the side air intakes.
Wheels are billet-machined 17-inch rims with Bridgestone tyres.
Encor Series 1’s tartan trim and two-spoke wheel are nods to the classic Esprit.
Digital binnacle is made from a single piece of billet aluminium.
The electrical architecture is by Encor’s sister company, Skyships Automotive – an OEM supplier for Pagani and the Lotus Evija.
Digital binnacle is made from a single piece of billet aluminium.
The electrical architecture is by Encor’s sister company, Skyships Automotive – an OEM supplier for Pagani and the Lotus Evija.
December 10, 2025 at 11:12 AM
Encor Series 1’s tartan trim and two-spoke wheel are nods to the classic Esprit.
Digital binnacle is made from a single piece of billet aluminium.
The electrical architecture is by Encor’s sister company, Skyships Automotive – an OEM supplier for Pagani and the Lotus Evija.
Digital binnacle is made from a single piece of billet aluminium.
The electrical architecture is by Encor’s sister company, Skyships Automotive – an OEM supplier for Pagani and the Lotus Evija.
A closer look at the Encor Series 1.
Its engine and chassis come from a late-model Esprit V8, but the carbon fibre body is inspired by the original 1975 Esprit S1.
Encor says it has ‘approached the Esprit not as a blank canvas, but as a piece of cultural heritage’.
Its engine and chassis come from a late-model Esprit V8, but the carbon fibre body is inspired by the original 1975 Esprit S1.
Encor says it has ‘approached the Esprit not as a blank canvas, but as a piece of cultural heritage’.
December 10, 2025 at 10:19 AM
A closer look at the Encor Series 1.
Its engine and chassis come from a late-model Esprit V8, but the carbon fibre body is inspired by the original 1975 Esprit S1.
Encor says it has ‘approached the Esprit not as a blank canvas, but as a piece of cultural heritage’.
Its engine and chassis come from a late-model Esprit V8, but the carbon fibre body is inspired by the original 1975 Esprit S1.
Encor says it has ‘approached the Esprit not as a blank canvas, but as a piece of cultural heritage’.
These are tough times in Hethel, but there’s still plenty of love for Lotus in Chelmsford…
Pictured here: a run-out 1999 Esprit Sport 350, a stunning 1976 Esprit S1 and – the reason for my trip to Essex – the new Encor Series 1 restomod.
Pictured here: a run-out 1999 Esprit Sport 350, a stunning 1976 Esprit S1 and – the reason for my trip to Essex – the new Encor Series 1 restomod.
December 10, 2025 at 9:28 AM
These are tough times in Hethel, but there’s still plenty of love for Lotus in Chelmsford…
Pictured here: a run-out 1999 Esprit Sport 350, a stunning 1976 Esprit S1 and – the reason for my trip to Essex – the new Encor Series 1 restomod.
Pictured here: a run-out 1999 Esprit Sport 350, a stunning 1976 Esprit S1 and – the reason for my trip to Essex – the new Encor Series 1 restomod.
‘They seem to have come and gone as rapidly as a Lotus Evija in Track mode.’
Read my piece on the decline and fall of the electric hypercar – with insights from Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann and Longbow Motors COO Mark Tapscott.
New on Robb Report: robbreport.com/motors/cars/...
Read my piece on the decline and fall of the electric hypercar – with insights from Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann and Longbow Motors COO Mark Tapscott.
New on Robb Report: robbreport.com/motors/cars/...
December 9, 2025 at 1:36 PM
‘They seem to have come and gone as rapidly as a Lotus Evija in Track mode.’
Read my piece on the decline and fall of the electric hypercar – with insights from Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann and Longbow Motors COO Mark Tapscott.
New on Robb Report: robbreport.com/motors/cars/...
Read my piece on the decline and fall of the electric hypercar – with insights from Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann and Longbow Motors COO Mark Tapscott.
New on Robb Report: robbreport.com/motors/cars/...
Inside the Chery Tiggo 9 CSH.
Central 15.6-inch touchscreen is combined with a 10.25-inch driver display.
There are seven seats, plus a huge 819-litre boot with the third row folded down.
Central 15.6-inch touchscreen is combined with a 10.25-inch driver display.
There are seven seats, plus a huge 819-litre boot with the third row folded down.
December 8, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Inside the Chery Tiggo 9 CSH.
Central 15.6-inch touchscreen is combined with a 10.25-inch driver display.
There are seven seats, plus a huge 819-litre boot with the third row folded down.
Central 15.6-inch touchscreen is combined with a 10.25-inch driver display.
There are seven seats, plus a huge 819-litre boot with the third row folded down.
Chery Tiggo 9 CSH combines a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with twin electric motors and a 34.5kWh.
Zero to 62mph takes 5.4 seconds and EV-only range is 91 miles.
Zero to 62mph takes 5.4 seconds and EV-only range is 91 miles.
December 8, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Chery Tiggo 9 CSH combines a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with twin electric motors and a 34.5kWh.
Zero to 62mph takes 5.4 seconds and EV-only range is 91 miles.
Zero to 62mph takes 5.4 seconds and EV-only range is 91 miles.
New Chery Tiggo 9 CSH majors on value for money.
There’s one single ‘Summit’ spec and standard kit includes surround-view parking cameras, heated/cooled rear seats and a 14-speaker Sony audio system.
Chery has matched Kia’s seven-year/100,000-mile warranty, too.
There’s one single ‘Summit’ spec and standard kit includes surround-view parking cameras, heated/cooled rear seats and a 14-speaker Sony audio system.
Chery has matched Kia’s seven-year/100,000-mile warranty, too.
December 8, 2025 at 11:36 AM
New Chery Tiggo 9 CSH majors on value for money.
There’s one single ‘Summit’ spec and standard kit includes surround-view parking cameras, heated/cooled rear seats and a 14-speaker Sony audio system.
Chery has matched Kia’s seven-year/100,000-mile warranty, too.
There’s one single ‘Summit’ spec and standard kit includes surround-view parking cameras, heated/cooled rear seats and a 14-speaker Sony audio system.
Chery has matched Kia’s seven-year/100,000-mile warranty, too.
Today: driving the Chery Tiggo 9 CSH.
This seven-seat, plug-in hybrid SUV is Chinese brand Chery’s new UK flagship.
Yours for £43,105 – or £499 a month.
This seven-seat, plug-in hybrid SUV is Chinese brand Chery’s new UK flagship.
Yours for £43,105 – or £499 a month.
December 8, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Today: driving the Chery Tiggo 9 CSH.
This seven-seat, plug-in hybrid SUV is Chinese brand Chery’s new UK flagship.
Yours for £43,105 – or £499 a month.
This seven-seat, plug-in hybrid SUV is Chinese brand Chery’s new UK flagship.
Yours for £43,105 – or £499 a month.