We"ve lifted the lid...
We"ve lifted the lid on Italyò€™s hottest secret... Alfa Romeoò€™s stunning new MiTo supermini is set to be given a sleek soft-top with the development of a cabriolet version, which is due to go on sale in under 18 months.
Autonovelties
A 50-strong team of...
A 50-strong team of designers at the company"s Paddington base have created the four-wheel-drive crossover vehicle to meet the demand of buyers looking for the ruggedness of an off-roader combined with the comfort of an ordinary estate. The car will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next month.
ABD Road safety spokesman...
ABD Road safety spokesman Mark McArthur-Christie explained: "Whilst this law will give just retribution for those killed by such drivers, it will not make the roads safer. Most who drive in a careless manner simply do not believe they are going to kill somebody so will not adjust their habits. The real and serious problem of drivers not taking care will therefore remain unaddressed. The ABD have for many years called for the police and the judicial system to crack down on careless drivers before they kill using the perfectly adequate existing laws. Sadly, prosecutions for careless driving are not taken seriously by the court system and the police are therefore reluctant to take careless drivers to court. Prosecutions therefore remain extremely rare."
A Bugatti Veyron is...
A Bugatti Veyron is built in only six weeks – but it’s taking MG owner Nanjing Automotive Corporation (NAC) more than a year to produce the TF two-seater roadster.
A company insider told...
A company insider told Auto Express: "Customers are tuning their cars beyond the 330bhp of the current range-topping model, so there"s obviously the demand for an even faster version."
A design student from...
A design student from Germany has created her own, spiky take on BMWò€™s future, the Lovos.
A Japanese importer...
A Japanese importer has snapped up all the surviving cars from the hit US movie the Fast and the Furious 3 - Tokyo Drift, and is putting them up for auction.
A map of the UK is stored...
A map of the UK is stored on your handset, and using your mobile"s buttons you navigate to your location, then zoom in. The software dials up the service provider - this costs a few pence - and the latest traffic news is sent to your phone. You only need to press one button for an update, but always pull over first or ask a passenger for help.
A new report, published...
A new report, published by the Transport Research Laboratory, also discovered that 59 per cent of respondents didn"t even know they had to get a doctor"s certificate or undertake a practical driving assessment before returning to the road following any serious injury.
A new survey from insurers...
A new survey from insurers elephant.co.uk shows that over a third of all drivers have used their phone while driving, with those in the North East of England the worst offenders - more than half of all drivers there admit to it.
A UK spokesman told...
A UK spokesman told Auto Express that the impact of the incident on worldwide supply of the RX-8 is still being assessed. "It"s too early to tell whether this will affect our operations, but the factory was due to close down over Christmas anyway," he said.
Australia: Thieves ruined...
Australia: Thieves ruined a tourist’s holiday by waiting for him to go into a Melbourne bar before hitching up and stealing his ÷£20,000 caravan, parked outside.
A war of words has broken...
A war of words has broken out between Toyota and VW over which is the worldò€™s number one automotive manufacturer.
Bosses claim the line-up...
Bosses claim the line-up of treatments will not only enhance the performance of your car, but also help to prolong the lifespan of crucial engine and transmission components.
Brit James Thompson...
Brit James Thompson scored a memorable debut win for Honda in the World Touring Car Championship at Imola, Italy. The ex-BTCC champ scorched from fifth on the grid to finish ahead of the BMW of Jorg Muller and Chevroletò€™s Rob Huff in the dayò€™s second outing. This was the highlight of a good weekend for the Japanese squad, after Thompson took third place in the opening race, behind the SEATs of Rickard Rydell and eventual winner Yvan Muller, who now has a 12-point lead in the standings.
But there"s a new twist...
But there"s a new twist affecting both stories - we"ve found crooks here can get foreign plates online. We"re not publishing the website details for security reasons, but the firm will supply plates featuring any numbers and letters. A tiny disclaimer warns they"re "for show use only", but as we revealed in our original story, that means nothing in law.
But the restyled front...
But the restyled front end isn"t the only change that"s been made to the car. For the first time ever, the model will be available in quattro S line trim. There are also new colours and alloy wheels on offer - which feature inserts the same shape as the grille
But the similarities...
But the similarities don"t end there; as in the Multipla, the FR-V"s centre seats can slide backwards for improved shoulder room when there"s a full complement of passengers.
By mixing trademark...
By mixing trademark Volvo styling cues, including the wide shoulder line and jutting front grille, with a more sporty profile, company bosses hope the forthcoming S80 will appeal to more executive buyers than ever.
CARS today have so many...
CARS today have so many different trim fasteners that a good screwdriver set is essential. And this new Kamasa Multi-Bit kit caters for 11 of the most common types.
Cheaper and cleaner...
Cheaper and cleaner – the sub-120g/km club has two new members. Chevrolet’s entry-level model, the Matiz 0.8S manual, now comes with a revised 800cc engine producing only 119g/km of CO2 and returning 54.3mpg at the pumps.
Citroen star Sebastien...
Citroen star Sebastien Loeb leapt into the record books with a stunning win in the ultra-fast Rally of Finland. By finishing ahead of Fordò€™s Mikko Hirvonen and Chris Atkinsonò€™s third-placed Subaru, the Frenchman became only the fourth non-Scandinavian to take victory in the event in 57 years. But the defending champ didnò€™t have an easy ride to the flag. He was chased all the way by Hirvonen, who completed his home event only 9.9 seconds behind the winner to hold on to a slim one-point lead on the title table.
Click on the links below...
Click on the links below to read the latest news and see all the pictures from this year"s Bologna Motor Show.
Could this be the future...
Could this be the future for Ferrari? Inspired by the prancing horseò€™s Formula One race car and the cockpit of a fighter jet, the stunning single-seater super car is the brainchild of Iranian designer Siamak Ruhi Dehkordi.
Councillors defended...
Councillors defended the move by pointing to the number of Christ-mas party and dinner bookings that have already been made at hotels and restaurants at this time of year. They have called for such venues to include a campaign leaflet with their booking forms.
Created by the Japanese...
Created by the Japanese firm"s in-house tuning division, the machine features jacked-up suspension which raises the truck by more than six inches. A set of mean 17-inch alloy wheels finishes the high-rise job. Along with its black paint job and large flame graphics, the one-off show car gets a host of tuning and interior upgrades, including a performance induction kit, specialist exhaust system, sports seats and DVD player.
Designed by Aussie Matt...
Designed by Aussie Matt Thomas, a former member of the Stewart Formula One team, the car has been heavily influenced by the likes of the McLaren F1 and Ferrari F40. Matt said: "We have made it as aerodynamic as possible, but wanted it to look like a traditional supercar so that it will appeal to a wide range of people." The machine is still under development, and is expected to go on sale late next year for around í‚á£250,000.
Does your car drive...
Does your car drive you up the wall ò€“ or send you to seventh heaven? Well, we want to hear about it! Now in its eighth year, Driver Power is the UKò€™s most important car reliability survey, and this time weò€™ve joined forces with The Daily Telegraph to make it even more expansive than ever.
Don"t write us off ò€“...
Don"t write us off ò€“ thatò€™s the message from Jason Plato and his SEAT team as the HiQ MSA British Touring Car Championship takes a breather before the second half of the season starts at Snetterton in mid-July. The Spanish squad introduced a new diesel Leon TDI at the start of this year and it has proved competitive, notching up three wins. But disappointing results last time out at Croft have dropped Plato and team-mate Darren Turner to fourth and eighth in the driversò€™ championship.
Electronics firm Bosch...
Electronics firm Bosch says hi-tech help systems could soon be introduced across the board - not just in luxury cars - in a bid to boost safety. One in five motorists already chooses parking sensors, while adaptive cruise control - which monitors your distance to the car in front - is also proving popular.
Exclusive spy shots...
Exclusive spy shots in this week"s mag reveal the new hatchback"s more radical rear end. The high tailgate and narrow light clusters on the edge of the boot give it a chunky look and an enormous luggage area. There will also be more room for passengers in the back compared to the outgoing Laguna.
Finding the right part...
Finding the right part for your car just got easier. A new service from classifieds giant Auto Trader uses your registration number to make sure you get the precise part to match your car.
For 2005, bosses have...
For 2005, bosses have upped the ante on the standard car and are also offering the new Mulliner Driving Specification. MDS buyers get huge 20-inch, seven-spoke alloys with stickier tyres, giving a more athletic look and improved handling.
Four-door coupés...
Four-door coupés are all the rage, but Skoda is trying to set a new trend for saloon-hatchbacks!
Fresh from the launch...
Fresh from the launch of the ESF Concept, Mercedes has shown that not just safety, but style is on their agenda too! The firm has revealed the special-edition SLK 2LOOK.
Going to the hassle...
Going to the hassle of setting up a jet washer, sponge, bucket and chamois to wash a car can be a drag, but thanks to wheel specialist Wolfrace you can get your car gleaming with only a bottle and a cloth.
Granted, slip-on covers...
Granted, slip-on covers are normally reserved for minicabs, but this option is worth a try. It simply plugs into your 12V cigar lighter and warms up in no time at all.
Hear this Leon roar!...
Hear this Leon roar! SEAT has revealed details of a new Linea R trim level for its hatch, inspired by the companyò€™s World Touring Car Championship winner.
Hereò€™s the Honda that...
Hereò€™s the Honda that will bring hybrid motoring to the masses! This is the first official shot of what Honda is calling its affordable family hybrid car and it has its sights set on Toyotaò€™s Prius.
Hot on the heels of...
Hot on the heels of the introduction of the UK-wide smoking ban, the research shows that the car’s days as a refuge for smokers are clearly numbered. The survey also discovered that even if potential buyers were prepared to purchase a smokey vehicle, the seller would have to drop their price by up to ?700.
How about this for a...
How about this for a mean but green machine? It’s Ford’s new alternative fuel land speed record car – the Fusion Hydrogen 999. As the name suggests, it’s powered by a bank of hydrogen fuel cells which, together with an electric motor, produce 770bhp.
Hundreds of motorists...
Hundreds of motorists have been forced to make ‘no blame’ claims as storms swept across Eng?land last week. But the numbers are set to increase claims to the AA. Affected owners, who stand to lose unprotected discounts on their premium as a result of their claims, will now face price hikes at renewal, as their own insurers are forced to foot the repair or write-off bill.
Hyundai is putting on...
Hyundai is putting on a brave new face for Frankfurt. These are the first official images of its brand new crossover, the ix35, the first car to feature Hyundai"s revised family face with its pronounced hexagonal grille.
If it"s not green, GM...
If it"s not green, GM isn"t interested. That seems to be the message at the American maker"s stand this morning. Heading the line-up at this year"s show is the firm"s Opel Flexstreme concept. A fat-faced diesel hybrid with crescent shaped lamps at the front and rear-hinged doors in the back for easier access. The shape might not be to everyone"s taste. But the car"s green credentials will be. It can run for 55km on pure electricity, making it an emission free city car. The batteries are charged by the diesel engine. A nifty compartment in the back also stores Segway scooters - which might explain why I was forced to dodge two as I clamboured for the stand.
In one of the closest...
In one of the closest contests ever Vauxhall"s Insignia has emerged on top - but only just. With a score of 321 it beat the new Ford Fiesta by one point. The latest car to come from the Luton-based manufacturer received 20 first place votes out of 59 compared to 19 received by the Fiesta.
Inspired by the CZ2...
Inspired by the CZ2 concept car from the 2003 Swiss expo, the new model is seen in near production-ready form, ahead of its UK launch in the summer of next year.
In the current mag (946)...
In the current mag (946) our spies caught the A8 test mule on the road completing its first few miles of dynamic development. At first glance it might look like just another example of Audi"s luxury flagship, but check out the wheelarches. The enormous bulges are there to house a wider track, and confirm the model as a prototype.
It follows the case...
It follows the case of Kevin McGuire, who parked perfectly legally in Bury, Greater Manchester. However, an NCP parking employee doctored a digital photo"s date to make it look like he"d broken the law. Mark Littlewood of civil rights group Liberty thinks it raises questions about what other camera images could be changed: "Tampering with evidence to secure a conviction is a serious offence, and one that should not only lead to a disciplinary action but also a criminal action," he said.
It goes on sale on 1...
It goes on sale on 1 July, and will cost ï‚÷£22,595. A Toyota spokesman said: "It"s offering something a little different, and will appeal to a certain section of the market. The changes look a lot more subtle when you see the new car in the metal!"
It’s the most...
It’s the most luxuriously equipped Volvo ever and prices start at ?38,4151. The first customer deliveries start at the end of January.
"It"s in the design...
"It"s in the design studio in South Korea, and staff from the UK have seen it," said our insider. "The car will use the five-door hatch as its basis, and it will probably get a folding metal hard-top."
It"s just the ticket...
It"s just the ticket for BMW buyers. This sticker might look like a list of meaningless figures, but it actually reveals several top-secret new models. Taken from a spare wheel or tyre spec sheet, the document lists several cars" badge names, including the current 3-Series saloon (E90, image), the Touring load-lugger (E91) and the all-new coup탩-convertible (E93).
It"s official ð€“ Citroen...
It"s official ð€“ Citroen will reveal an all-new concept at next week"s Frankfurt Motor Show and, judging by this first official picture the 2CV is back!
It"s the car that will...
It"s the car that will make Toyota cool ò€“ so says company boss Akio Toyoda. As he took the wraps off the FT-86 ò€“ the eagerly awaited replacement for the Celica ò€“ at the Tokyo Motor Show, he claimed sporty models such as the rear-driven coupé will change his firmò€™s image.
It"s the cat that"s...
It"s the cat that"s got the cream! One of the stars of the Jaguar stand at the New York Motor Show was the sumptuous XJ Portfolio.
It"s the news blue oval...
It"s the news blue oval fans have been waiting for! The all new Ford Focus prototype has finally hit the road.Ò
Itò€™s almost the end...
Itò€™s almost the end of the year, so weò€™d like to know your most memorable motoring moments of 2009.
Itò€™s the most expensive...
Itò€™s the most expensive car ever to sell at auction. This black 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa has just been bought at the famous Leggenda e Passione auction in Maranello by an unknown bidder. Selling for a record ò‚¬9.02 million, the historic Ferrari broke the previous record by ò‚¬1.98, a mark set at the same event last year.
Itò€™s the shape of...
Itò€™s the shape of things to come from Czech car maker Skoda.
Kia"s design department...
Kia"s design department is on a roll! This sleek saloon, codenamed VG, is the latest model to emerge from the Korean manufacturer, and it could well be its best-looking model to date.
Kiaò€™s Soul has been...
Kiaò€™s Soul has been fully bared ò€“ and hereò€™s the proof! Although itò€™s not due to make its world debut until next monthò€™s Paris Motor Show, spies caught the baby MPV on the road.
Lamborghini revealed...
Lamborghini revealed its true colours at Bologna today ò€“ and it looks like itò€™s back to black for the supercar maker!
Leading the drive is...
Leading the drive is PC Mark Wilcock. "We"d had a lot of criminals using false plates on vehicles, and this idea seems so simple," he said. "A clutch-head screw takes a normal screwdriver to put in, but you can"t use one to get it out."
Lightning strikes! Here’s...
Lightning strikes! Here’s the first picture of how the new British-built electric supercar, the Lightning GT, will shape up. And there’s nothing shocking about the two-door’s swoopy silhouette. It’s based on an existing petrol machine, although the design has been updated to reflect the modern credentials.
Likely to look similar...
Likely to look similar to the Mugen Dominator design car from the Tokyo Auto Salon, which we showed in issue 893, the model will certainly please performance fans. And, contrary to speculation, the next hot Civic will feature the same high-revving 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine as the previous version - not a larger 2.2-litre unit - when it goes on sale early in 2007.
Looking like a mini...
Looking like a mini Enzo, it"s called Mille Chili - in Italian it refers to its weight: 1,000kg. It"s made almost entirely from carbon fibre and has carbon ceramic brakes.
Maserati"s latest stunner...
Maserati"s latest stunner has announced its arrival to the UK in grand style. The convertible version of the GranTurismo coupe, called the GranCabrio made its world debut at the Frankfurt show last month, but this latest event was all about one car.
Measuring 311 metres...
Measuring 311 metres, it could span three football pitches, and features 106 images, including 60 family portraits. According to Guinness World Records, the current record holder is "only" 274m, and was produced by London-based agency Saatchi and Saatchi for the Rome Opera House in 1998.
Mercedesò€™ Gullwing...
Mercedesò€™ Gullwing is shaping up nicely, but itò€™s not the only new supercar on the way ò€“ McLaren is working on one, too. Could this be it?
More than 44,000 motorists...
More than 44,000 motorists face fines of up to Ò£1,000 for failing to replace their photocard driving licences after the statutory 10 years.
New laws to make parking...
New laws to make parking enforcement fairer are on the way. The Department for Transport has rubber-stamped rules to force local authorities to scrap fines for motorists with mitigating circumstances.
New Zealander Scott...
New Zealander Scott Dixon racked up his sixth IRL win of the season with a last-gasp victory at the Kentucky Speedway.
Nissan"s new supersized...
Nissan"s new supersized Qashqai may come with two extra seats, but theyð€™ll cost buyers nearly £1,000 each.
Not many new models...
Not many new models at this year’s Detroit show remained under wraps for as long as Cadillac’s sharp looking CTS Coupe.
Now you can remove bacteria...
Now you can remove bacteria from your car with Pureair air-con cleaner. It comes in a 250ml pressurised can and contains an ingredient called biocide, a form of disinfectant, which leaves your car germ-free in 15 minutes.
Official figures are...
Official figures are hard to uncover, but innocent motorists are believed to be getting ripped off to the tune of ÷£100million a year because of clocking. That"s the slang name for turning back a car"s odometer to make it read a lower mileage. The practice increases the value of the vehicle when it"s put up for sale. Our sting involved convincing an experienced clocker that we wanted to use his "mileage correction" services on two cars, with no questions asked. He was happy to help, and we would have netted at least ÷£3,000 profit if we"d sold them on.
One of the smallest...
One of the smallest cars on the road is about to make a big impact on the UK market. A new version of Smartò€™s ForTwo emits 88g/km of CO2 ò€“ the lowest output of any production model on sale.
Only a few months after...
Only a few months after H&H Classic Car Auctions slashed its rates to just 2.5 per cent for vendors, rival operator British Car Auctions has followed suit. The company’s Classic and Historic Division now charges sellers the same commission rate.
Only available in lurid...
Only available in lurid orange, silver, green or black, the stripped-out RS is designed for drivers who want maximum thrills and head-turning ability on both the road and the track.
Our photographers saw...
Our photographers saw this undisguised two-door as it was put through its paces by engineers - and it leaves little to the imagination. Based on the saloon, the sporty coupé"s more pronounced grille helps to identify the newcomer, and combines with a subtly revised bumper and new headlights to give a more purposeful look. Other BMW styling cues include the hockey-stick C-pillars and sweeping profile.
Out came the tribal...
Out came the tribal warriors as a new dawn broke for SEAT in the guise of the off-road SUV Tribu.
Out has gone the old...
Out has gone the old motor, and in its place is a new 4cc two-stroke, producing 10 per cent more power. To handle the extra go, and improve handling and stability, the Savage X"s chassis has been lowered 5mm, while the machine also benefits from new, grippier wheels and tyres.
Owners of any of the...
Owners of any of the brand"s models can now give their car an exclusive new look with a unique name badge.
Owners of the tiny machines...
Owners of the tiny machines are causing havoc across Britain, and local councils have received hundreds of complaints about them. Now, tearaway teens who ride illegally could soon find the brakes being put on their activities.
Pictured on the firm"s...
Pictured on the firm"s show stand with Joe Eberhardt, executive vice president, the Unlimited is 381mm longer than the standard Wrangler, which means more load space and rear legroom. There are currently no plans to bring it to the UK, but with improved on-road refinement and an increased towing capacity, the Unlimited would be sure to attract new buyers into showrooms.
Powered by a choice...
Powered by a choice of 2.5 or 3.0-litre V6 engines, both with automatic transmission, the Mark X is rumoured to be the replacement for the recently discontinued Camry. Bosses are said to be currently evaluating the car"s suitability for sale in European markets.
Power is from a 240bhp...
Power is from a 240bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, and coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox it gives a 0-60mph sprint time of 7.2 seconds. That"s quicker than the GSi variant of the outgoing car.
PRICE of Chevrolet servicing...
PRICE of Chevrolet servicing is expected to come down. US brand is cutting the cost of spares to independent Daewoo and Chevy dealers across UK. Previously, only franchised garages benefited from deal.
Production of the stylish...
Production of the stylish family car has now begun at the blue oval"s Genk factory in Belgium. Incredibly, the four-door saloon, five-door hatch and load-lugging estate variants are all built on the same busy production line - alongside the Ford S-MAX people carrier and Galaxy MPV.
Renault"s up for the...
Renault"s up for the Cup! Hot on the heels of the recent Clio Cup, the French firm has announced details of another stripped-out model.
River levels have barely...
River levels have barely receded in flood-hit parts of the UK, but water damaged cars are already cropping up.
Sales of new cars rocketed...
Sales of new cars rocketed by 32 per cent in October ò€“ 2009ò€™s best month yet.
Save yourself the cost...
Save yourself the cost of a new bumper or respray by investing in a Carpoint Easy-fit Parking Sensor from A1 Motor Stores (A1MS).
Scot Allan McNish took...
Scot Allan McNish took an incredible victory in the Petit Le Mans race at Road Atlanta, US, despite crashing his Audi on the warm-up lap.
Set to arrive next spring...
Set to arrive next spring, the newcomer, spied in Issue 915, replaces the current CL and is based on the same chassis as the revised S-Class. It’s slightly larger than its predecessor, at 5,065mm long and 1,871mm wide, and has a 490-litre boot – 40 more than before.
Set to rival the BMW...
Set to rival the BMW X5 and Mercedes M-Class, the model has bold styling and an innovative seating arrangement. The Q7"s imposing nose is dominated by Audi"s trademark grille, outlined in chrome, and gets narrow, angled headlamps.
Simply attach the foam...
Simply attach the foam ball to a variable speed drill and you can achieve a perfect gloss finish in minutes with or without wax, claims the maker. The ÷£14.99 sponge is suitable for alloys, paintwork and headlight covers, and is ideal for tackling hard-to-get at places such as spoilers and bumpers. Not only does it get to the nooks and crannies a conventional sponge misses, it is reusable, too. Simply clean the ball with washing-up liquid and let it dry.
Starting on April 1st...
Starting on April 1st, and running for 3 months, the scheme allows car hunters to take a car for 72 hours to find out if it really works in their day-to-day driving. Included in the offer are the Corsa, Meriva, Tigra, Astra, Astra Sport Hatch, Zafira and Vectra.
Thanks to a new turbocharger...
Thanks to a new turbocharger, this latest powerplant delivers 11 per cent better performance, too, producing a hefty 400Nm of torque.
That"s the experts"...
That"s the experts" shock view after an investigation discovered motorists simply don"t notice other road users.
The Audi A6, Mercedes...
The Audi A6, Mercedes E-Class, Renault Vel Satis and Saab 9-5 have all been awarded the maximum score in the executive segment - but the GS300"s points tally marks it out as the best. Thanks to careful styling of the front bumper and bonnet, the Lexus has beaten its rivals for pedestrian safety, too. It gained two stars for the protection provided - a feat only matched by the Saab 9-5 in the class.
The big cat is out of...
The big cat is out of the bag! Here are the first pictures of Jaguarò€™s facelifted XK, seen for the first time without any front-end camouflage. Ò
The booming city car...
The booming city car market is about to get even more competitive, with Ford confirming the new Ka will undercut its main rival, the Fiat 500. Starting at ?7,995 for the entry-level 1.2-litre Studio, the city car costs ?105 less than the equivalent 500 and only ?350 more than the outgoing Ka.
The calming influence...
The calming influence of a familiar motor makes it first choice for many brides. The traditional Roller (image) appears further down the list compiled by insurer Churchill, along with unusual vehicles such as a milk float, vintage bus or tractor. Five per cent of brides walked to church.
The Ceeò€™dò€™s on a diesel power trip!
The Ceeò€™dò€™s on a diesel power trip!
The Cobra spits again!...
The Cobra spits again! Troubled sports car maker AC has bounced back to build a new version of its Sixties roadster.
The compact five-door...
The compact five-door is closely related to the new MG6 concept and once on sale, it will slot in the Roewe range slightly below the 550.
The countdown to the...
The countdown to the launch of the new Nissan Skyline GT-R is well under way, and Sony PlayStation 3 owners will soon be able to have an exclusive test drive of the four-wheel-drive supercar.
The credit crunch has...
The credit crunch has claimed another victim ò€“ BMWò€™s striking CS Concept. Plans to produce the sensational sports saloon have been axed as itò€™s not financially viable. The luxurious four-door grand tourer was first seen at last yearò€™s Shanghai Motor Show, and was destined to go head-to-head with the forthcoming Aston Rapide, Porsche PanÒamera and Lamborghini Estoque super-saloons.
The deal is the work...
The deal is the work of a company called Evolution Insurance - but is it worth it? We rang a couple of leading insurers to find out (see panel), and while it may save you time, it"s not going to save you much money.
The device, made by...
The device, made by specialist sound system giant Harman/Kardon, is called the Drive+Play, and it comes in three parts. There"s a "brain" that"s hidden under the dashboard which connects the car"s stereo to the iPod, a display unit and a compact control stick.
The DVLA has started...
The DVLA has started testing its í‚á£38million project to make renewing road fund licence less taxing. Letters are going out to 3,000 drivers chosen at random, inviting them to visit a secret website or phone a special number. Both allow them to buy their next disc without having to speak to anyone or produce vehicle documents. The trial is open only to owners of cars less than three years old, because they don"t need MoT certificates. And the DVLA has tapped into the Motor Insurance Database so it will know if the selected vehicles are covered without having to see a policy. The plan is for most drivers to be buying discs online or over the phone by 2006.
The exciting new 4x4...
The exciting new 4x4 from Jeep will be unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in January. A daring development of the 2002 concept, it promises to rival the new Toyota RAV4 and the next Land Rover Freelander. The model is the smallest off-roader the US firm has ever built, and is based on the same platform as the forthcoming Dodge Caliber.
The fastest TT ever...
The fastest TT ever is emerging from the shadows. Audi has released the first official teaser shots of its flagship performance coupé, the RS.Ò
The FCX concept, displayed...
The FCX concept, displayed on the firm"s Paris stand alongside the Civic Type R, has one of the world"s most technically advanced fuel cells. And a production version based on the FCX will be made available in the UK, according to chief executive Takeo Fukui.
The good news is there...
The good news is there are still some available Stateside, and legendary tuner Roush is bringing them to Britain.
The initiative is expected...
The initiative is expected to be rolled out across dealers in time for September"s new 55 registration and, although voluntary, all the makers have signed up to it. Cars will be graded according to C02 emissions and categorised into six coloured bands - similar to the system used for fridges. This information will be displayed in the windscreen, along with data such as likely annual fuel costs.
The insurance company...
The insurance company polled 524 drivers who were asked to identify 12 common road signs which included "no stopping", "road works" and "uneven roads". Some 77% were unable to identify correctly more than six of the signs. None of the drivers surveyed could identify all 12 signs correctly.
The Kia cee"d is putting...
The Kia cee"d is putting on a brave new face! An updated version of the Korean firm"s best-selling hatch will break cover at next month"s Frankfurt Motor Show.
The latest innovation...
The latest innovation to help emergency workers make their way through traffic is the Rumbler – a device that relies on the power of sound to shake the road up to 200 feet ahead of the vehicle.
The lid has been lifted...
The lid has been lifted on Bentleyò€™s most powerful production cabriolet ever. This is the Continental GTC Speed ò€“ a 200mph bruiser with all the menace and performance of its hard-top sibling.
The Lotus Sport Exige...
The Lotus Sport Exige 240R delivers 243bhp and can sprint from 0-60mph in less than four seconds. Top speed is 155mph. The power hike is courtesy of a supercharger fitted to the standard model"s 1.8-litre Toyota VVTL-i engine.
The most expensive Rolls-Royce...
The most expensive Rolls-Royce ever built has been sold to Chinese property developer, maker has revealed. The ÷£1.1million car went to an undisclosed Beijing company.
The Motorpoint outlet...
The Motorpoint outlet in Peterborough, Cambs, is to grow to cope with unexpectedly high demand. The firm only acquired the site two months ago, but is already selling 700 cars per week, with customers being lured from as far away as Kent to get the best deal. Meanwhile Car Shop Mega-store – which has outlets in Manchester, Northampton and Cardiff – is set to open what it claims will be the country’s largest indoor showroom in Swindon, Wiltshire.
The í‚á£50,000, 3.0-litre...
The í‚á£50,000, 3.0-litre V6-powered two-seater is the brainchild of former Land Rover employee Andy Nowson, and the Birmingham NEC show on 14 and 15 January is the first to be attended by the firm. Nowson plans to set up a Midlands base to produce the car.
The news comes as the...
The news comes as the firm revealed the most powerful Golf ever, the R32 (pictured here). Using a 247bhp 3.2-litre V6, it gets 4MOTION all-wheel drive and uprated suspension. Styling enhancements include an aluminium grille, spoilers and central twin exhausts.
The next Smart city...
The next Smart city car is set to be cleverer than ever.
The page, located at...
The page, located at www.transportdirect.info has live traffic news and route-planning software, plus data on trains, planes and coaches. Users can see the likelihood of delays, and check out different routes. Transport Secretary Alistair Darling said: "For the first time, travellers will be able to view the various travel choices all in one place." Yet bizarrely, he added: "Of course, there will be teething problems, but increasingly Transport Direct will bring huge benefits."
The Qazana is inching...
The Qazana is inching closer to showrooms, as these spy shots prove. Nissanò€™s compact SUV stunner stole the limelight at Marchò€™s Geneva Motor Show ò€“ and this prototype reveals the distinctive looks will be carried over to the final version.
There"s now even more...
There"s now even more kit on offer with Toyotaò€™s Yaris (above). The range-topping SR has been upgraded to include a combined sat-nav and audio system as standard. The touchscreen device is built in, but can be removed ò€“ so is fully portable ò€“ and includes hands-free Bluetooth connectivity and an MP3 player connection.
These are the first...
These are the first official pictures of Kia"s new off-road star. The all-new seven-seater Sorento, just like the updated cee"d, will make it"s European debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.
The second Swedish supercar...
The second Swedish supercar after the awesome Koeniggsegg is due to launch this autumn. It"s got all the things you"d expect of a supercar - gorgeous looks, a painted carbonfibre body, a 6-speed gearbox, and a chassis seemingly made from feathers and balsa wood, seeing as the whole car weighs a paltry 525kgs.
The sketch has been...
The sketch has been released by Nissan in North America to whet appetites for its new Forum Concept MPV, due to be revealed in January.
The Splash is based...
The Splash is based on the same platform as the Swift supermini, and should also create waves with a different body as the next-generation Vauxhall Agila.
The striking Mesa concept...
The striking Mesa concept is built on the platform of the next-generation Sorento, due late next year, and features a powerful V8 engine. It"s the work of Kia"s California-based design studio. Company vice president Yong-Hwan Kim said: "The Mesa exemplifies the future of the SUV market and is a glimpse of the dynamic designs to come from us."
The trashy truth was...
The trashy truth was exposed in a study by car care company Comma. It revealed that 28 per cent of the drivers questioned admitted they hadn"t cleaned inside their vehicle for more than six months. Typically, they hoard old parking tickets, confectionery wrappers, empty bottles and discarded crisp packets. None of the women questioned gave their motor"s cabin a weekly clean, while more than a third confessed that they had never tackled the job.
The two-wheeled Segway...
The two-wheeled Segway could soon be made road-legal. The zero-emission scooters are currently not allowed to be used on highways or pavements. But Conservative MPs are arguing they could be the solution to traffic gridlock in towns and cities.
The use of clear panels...
The use of clear panels even extends to the floorpan - meaning the view below your feet could be as exciting as the road ahead.
The Volkswagen Passat...
The Volkswagen Passat will take part in the Urban Challenge, a 60-mile contest for driverless vehicles which involves them merging with traffic, negotiating roundabouts, avoiding other motorists and abiding by road laws. Computers control the steering, throttle and brakes, and scientists are now adding lasers, GPS sat-nav and video cameras so the car can ‘see’ the road. Two years ago, VW entered a Touareg SUV in a similar contest in the desert, but the Passat will have a tougher job.
The Volvo S60, only...
The Volvo S60, only previously seen in concept form has been snapped (but only just) on a road in England.
The wraps are almost...
The wraps are almost off of BMW"s all-new 5-Series hatchback! Called the Gran Turismo, the new model has been spied testing here in Germany almost completely undisguised for the first time.
The wraps are nearly...
The wraps are nearly off Chevroletò€™s Astra rival! Our spy shot shows its forthcoming compact family car, which is the replacement for the Lacetti.
The www.direct.gov.uk...
The www.direct.gov.uk website is part of the so-called "supersite" that encompasses all public services that can be accessed online in one place.
This is a Citroen for...
This is a Citroen for the PlayStation generation! The stunning GTbyCitroen took the Paris Motor Show by storm when it was unveiled last week, and it bridges the gap between reality and the gaming world.
This is despite 70 per...
This is despite 70 per cent of motorists voted throwing litter out of windows as "the most annoying habit on the road" in a new report.
This new city car should...
This new city car should create a buzz among Citroen fans. Itò€™s a new electric version of the C1.
Three out of five motorists...
Three out of five motorists don’t want speed limits reduced to 20mph in town and city centres.
Topping the bill is...
Topping the bill is the blood-red Dodge SRT10 concept, seen here alongside the Viper ACR ò€“ with which it shares an engine.
Toyota is set to get...
Toyota is set to get pulses racing at this yearò€™s British Motor Show. The Japanese firm has commissioned a wild one-off version of its Aygo to appear on its stand.
Toyota"s Corolla replacement...
Toyota"s Corolla replacement, the Auris, has been awarded five stars for adult occupant safety in Euro NCAP"s latest crash test results.
Two male and female...
Two male and female teams will battle it out in a series of driving tasks in a bid to be named ‘Britain’s Best Driver’
UK doesn"t have enough...
UK doesn"t have enough affordable, safe parking says RAC Foundation. Survey found third of people given up and gone home through lack of town centre spaces. And 45 per cent don"t feel safe walking through car parks at night.
Underneath the minimal...
Underneath the minimal disguise lie bold headlights, a wide grille and distinctive slanted C-pillars at the rear - all cues taken from the Multi-S. Together with a high roof and car-like profile, they should make the Carens stand out against its class rivals.
Unveiled this week at...
Unveiled this week at Belgium"s Brussels Motor Show, the Deck"up sits on 20-inch alloy wheels and has a radically styled body, featuring large glass shutters that slide back for true open-air motoring. There"s also a pick-up-style bay, as well as slide and twist rear seats. Power comes from a 135bhp, 2.5-litre diesel engine and is transmitted to the road via a six-speed manual transmission and permanent four-wheel-drive.
VOLVO is recalling 217,000...
VOLVO is recalling 217,000 XC90 off-roaders worldwide to replace steering ball joint. Around 34,000 S40 and V50 models being called in for possible fuel line leak.
We revealed every detail...
We revealed every detail of the company"s new high-performance four-door in Issue 861, and only now have official pictures of the entire range been released. The interior remains largely unchanged, but the exterior styling has been revamped
We weren’t supposed...
We weren’t supposed to see it until Friday, but pictures of Vauxhall’s top secret new Insignia have leaked!
What"s more, five of...
What"s more, five of the worst six models are made by French firms. This is one of many fascinating facts revealed in the UK"s biggest car satisfaction survey, based on the experiences of 50,000 of you. Citroen, Peugeot and Fiat owners have the toughest time, according to our study.
When the latest XJ was...
When the latest XJ was unveiled last year, a replacement for the Daimler Super V8 was missing from the range. Now it has been revealed that there isn"t going to be one.
While other manufacturers...
While other manufacturers were struggling in 2008, Ferrari posted record profits of Ò£305 million, so it can afford to keep the new models coming! And hereò€™s the most eagerly anticipated of the bunch, the replacement for the F430, codenamed the F142.
With 168bhp, the 1.4-litre...
With 168bhp, the 1.4-litre unit has more power than the existing naturally aspirated 2.0-litre FSI, yet provides better economy. Then in the spring, a low-output version of the TSI with 138bhp will debut in the Touran compact MPV. Tuned for low-down torque, it will be mated to a six-speed gearbox for improved cruising.
With a 168bhp 2.0-litre...
With a 168bhp 2.0-litre TDI engine under the bonnet, it will be the Spanish maker"s most muscular oil-burner so far.
With ÷£550 of extras...
With ÷£550 of extras included and a choice of petrol or diesel power, the Fiesta Silver is available from ÷£9,295.
With it"s uique front...
With it"s uique front lights, exclusive alloy wheels and Grand Edition badging, Mercedes is hoping that no one misses the most luxurious evolution yet of the popular CLS.
With nine months to...
With nine months to go until the all-new Fiat 500 makes its debut, this exclusive 2007 calendar must surely be the best way to count down the days to the launch of the cute city car.