Ford has announced plans to go fully electric in Europe by 2030, meanwhile all models will have a zero emissions-capable option by 2026.

As governments around the world look to tighten vehicle emissions by ending the sale of new internal combustion-engined cars, manufacturers have slowly started announcing their own targets for the future. Just a few days ago Jaguar Land Rover announced it would go fully electric by 2025, now Ford has announced it will follow suit by 2030.

To do so, Ford is spending $1 billion dollars on electrifying it’s Cologne plant, which is part of a wider $22 billion investment into electrifying the entire range. The first production car to leave the new electrified-Cologne plant will utilise VW’s MEB platform and is likely to be smaller than the Ford Mach-E.

For commercial vehicles, emissions targets are less stringent and as a result, if you still want internal combustion after 2030, you can do. By 2024, all of Ford’s commercial vehicles will have a zero emissions variant with the Blue Oval expecting plug-in hybrids and electric options to make up two-thirds of its sales by 2030.

What does this mean?

In short, car’s like the Ford Fiesta ST Mk8 and Ford Focus ST will either morph into a new model or adopt an electrified powertrain of some sort, either in plug-in hybrid format to begin with and later on as a fully electric vehicle. Let’s just hope that the chassis genius that Ford possesses isn’t lost in the future.

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After much anticipation, the new Porsche 911 GT3 is here with a 4.0-litre flat-six, 503bhp and 347lb ft of torque.

First up, some headlines. As mentioned, it retains a 4.0-litre flat-six engine as seen in the previous car but gets 503bhp and 347lb ft of torque. Opted with a PDK auto gearbox (a six-speed manual is also available!), it’ll accelerate from 0-62mph in just 3.4 seconds and go onto 198mph. The manual “makes do” with a 3.9 second 0-62mph sprint time but will go a touch quicker at 199mph.

Those in the know will notice those performance figures are identical to the 911 GT3 Cup car, that’s because they’re directly linked. Other similarities to the Cup car include the bodyshell and almost replica suspension setup, according to 911 and 718 boss Frank Walliser. In fact, the front suspension has come directly form the 911 RSR endurance race car. Rear-wheel steering is also available.

Porsche has focused on trying to keep the weight down by employing the use of carbon fibre wherever possible, which includes in the front bonnet and rear wing. Despite the brake diamater being larger than on the previous generation car, Porsche says it weighs 17% less. The 992 Porsche 911 GT3 weighs 1418kg with a manual gearbox and 1435kg with the PDK. A sports exhaust will drop another 10kg if optioned.

It’s worth noting now that the new Porsche 911 GT3 lapped the Nurburgring in under 7 minutes, 6:59 to be precise. A lot of that is down to some aerodynamic trickery. There are vents in the front bonnet, bespoke ducting above the engine compartment, a front splitter and a rear wing 20% bigger than its predecessor. In total, in comparison to the 991.2 generation, the 992 GT3 has 160% more downforce in sports mode and 50% more in normal.

What’s the new Porsche 911 GT3 like inside?

Much the same as any 992 911 iteration. Similar options can be ticked for your preference, with more Alcantara in use. You can opt for a Clubsport package, which is a no cost option, that includes a roll-cage, six-point harness for the driver only, a fire extinguisher and a battery disconnect switch.

The rev counter also differs, adding a new set of dials that rev to 10,000rpm and includes a special track mode that keeps tabs on key performance data.

How much is the new 992 911 GT3?

Prices start from £123,100, with orders open now and deliveries starting in May 2021.

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