Motorsport

26 YEARS AGO: Surprising...

26 YEARS AGO: Surprising news came from Japan, where bosses at Nissan announced they would be axing the Datsun marque.

According to the study...

According to the study, performed by warranty provider, Warranty Direct, 125 garages knowingly questioned by the warranty company, 33 percent were willing to charge more than the suggested official repair times.

A Chinese car firm that...

A Chinese car firm that turned to making cars to find an application for its battery technology has unveiled not one, but three new cars at the Detroit Motor Show...

A dashboard black box...

A dashboard black box that moni­tors motorists’ performance is being used to make novice drivers safer behind the wheel.

And if parts look familiar...

And if parts look familiar, that"s because they are. The flanks in particular build on the firm"s Roomster concept, which debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2003.

An elasticated strap...

An elasticated strap helps it fit over your head, so the device is especially useful when you’re working under the bonnet, which the maker says is one of the hardest places to shed light into. The lamp can be swivelled so you can shine it precisely where it’s needed. What’s more, it can be adjusted easily for brightness or extra-long life.

A new gadget from GEAR4...

A new gadget from GEAR4 allows drivers to not only take phone calls hands-free, but also listen to music from their mobiles.

An FM transmitter is...

An FM transmitter is the easiest way to get digital music in your car, but the devices are not without their problems.

A sharp new look is...

A sharp new look is set to make the Mercedesò€™ M-Class a big crowd puller in the Big Apple.

A spokesman for the...

A spokesman for the Department for Transport explained: "The police have the right to carry out covert surveillance. Devices that detect the signal given off by a mobile speed camera can give this away, and this could be seen to affect the police"s ability to do their job properly." But he added: "We have no problem with those systems which only use GPS satellite technology."

A survey by motor trade...

A survey by motor trade estate agent Gilbran found 86 per cent of car owners want vehicle makers to provide "easy-to-understand infor÷­mation on the environmental performance and impact of cars".

As well as revealing...

As well as revealing the front and rear, the shots give a taste of the cabin. The 8C was first seen at 2003"s Frankfurt Motor Show, where it featured a 4.2-litre Maserati V8 with around 450bhp. The roadgoing car will have an all-new Maserati V8, with at least 400bhp.

Auto Express has learned...

Auto Express has learned that rumours circulating about Merc÷­edes building a drop-top version of its luxury flagship model are true.

Auto Express magazine...

Auto Express magazine can reveal the newcomer undisguised. Called the SRM, the three-door shown in the mag is in flagship high-performance trim, thought to be designated by the "SRM 24" number plates.

Available as both a...

Available as both a saloon and estate, the car will be vital in the firm"s fresh assault on family buyers. However, with people choosing more practical SUVs and crossover models instead, sales across the sector are in decline, so the range is moving upmarket to stay ahead of the game. As a result, it will have to compete with rivals traditionally seen as more exclusive, including the forthcoming Alfa 159 and the Volvo S60.

Based on the revised...

Based on the revised Z4 Roadster, the Coup탩 is barely changed from Sept-ember"s Frankfurt Motor Show concept. Thanks to a stiffer bodyshell and tuned suspension, its handling promises to be sharper than that of the convertible.

Based on the US company"s...

Based on the US company"s SRX off-roader chassis, the Villa is a hi-tech tourer designed for 2015. Its tall barn-style doors open out and up from the centre, creating a vast space for easy access. The top edges of each door curve through 90 degrees to meet up in the middle and form the roof.

Based on VW"s new Golf...

Based on VW"s new Golf chassis, it gains independent rear suspension and a big boost in crash safety. Ingenlath said that the sharp-edged lines are designed to look "upscale but classless", while prominent shoulders and wide pillars convey a "strong, rich appearance". Unusually, the bonnet lifts up as a V shape, with the front wings fixed in place. An extra 66mm in the wheelbase has transformed legroom in the rear.

Bluetooth wireless technology...

Bluetooth wireless technology has already revolutionised the way we use our mobile phones in the car. And now, DIY mechanics are set to benefit, too – thanks to the latest kit from GEAR4.

Bosses at the firm might...

Bosses at the firm might be preparing to launch the facelifted 9-3 soon, but our spies have already caught a glimpse of its replacement undergoing secret tests.

Brought in as part of...

Brought in as part of new Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s “need for change”, Ms Kelly was most recently in charge of the Community portfolio.

But after waiting for...

But after waiting for the smoke to clear, and having seen our lensman, the testers quickly closed the bonnet and crawled back to base for repairs. The car was the Hyundai Equus, and the Korean maker is putting the final touches to its flagship four-door. However, the mag"s pictures suggest there"s a lot more to be done on the reliability front.

But we"ve learned that...

But we"ve learned that a showroom model is definitely on the way. A Peu-geot insider said: "The car has had a great reception. People love its combination of practicality and hot hatch ap-peal. Signing it off for production looks to be a mere formality."

Buyers of the new BMW...

Buyers of the new BMW 1-Series Coupé can now have the economy of a diesel with the sporty looks of a performance car. The M Sport pack, which was initially reserved for the range-topping 135i, is being offered on the 120d and 123d oil-burners.

Called the Isis, the...

Called the Isis, the MPV features an innovative electric sliding door which does away with the B-pillar on one side completely. The technology is a first on a car of this size. The front seat can be folded forward out of the way, too, making the Isis perfect for large families or anyone who frequently carries adults in the back.

Capable on motorways...

Capable on motorways and B-roads, while in the urban jungle there"s nothing better

Cars donò€™t get cuter...

Cars donò€™t get cuter than this! The EV-N Concept is Hondaò€™s battery-powered city offering for the Tokyo show, and a natural rival to Toyotaò€™s iQ-based FT-EV II.

Checking tyre pressures...

Checking tyre pressures regularly is vital, yet often overlooked. But now you can keep an eye on them from the comfort of the driverò€™s seat, with the new Tyresure Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.

Check out this teaser...

Check out this teaser image of the most muscular Ford Mustang yet. Bosses at the Blue Oval will unveil the special model at next month"s Los Angeles show.

Chinese firm Nanjing...

Chinese firm Nanjing Automobile has revealed UK prices for its version of the Rover 75 saloon.

Choosing a green car...

Choosing a green car isn’t easy – especially if you live in the North! A Government-backed survey reveals garages in Yorkshire and Humberside are least likely to highlight how polluting a model is. Research by the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership found only 40 per cent of these counties’ dealers display Department for Transport stickers listing mpg and emissions bands (right) on forecourt models. In top-performing Wales, it was nearly 80 per cent.

Conceived as a mobile...

Conceived as a mobile working environment for scientists, geologists and adventurers, the Terranaut is designed for the most challenging environments on the planet. Its cabin carries three people - a driver, passenger and scientist working in a rear lab or computer room. It will feature a computer console, as well as communications and analysis kit.

Dacia is anticipating...

Dacia is anticipating a frosty reception for its latest model! Underneath the racing livery and bulging bodywork, this is the production version of Dacia"s low-cost BMW X1 rival, the Duster, first seen as a concept at the Geneva show in March this year

Designed at the maker"s...

Designed at the maker"s London-based studio as a mobile working environment for scientists, geologists and adventurers, the SUV"s interior doubles as a field laboratory, complete with a Star Trek-style workstation housed in a rotating glass sphere to the rear. Up to three occupants can be sustained for a week thanks to the car"s refrigerated provision storage space, built-in tents and cooking facilities. They will also be able to stay in touch via an advanced satellite information and communication system.

Despite a disappointing...

Despite a disappointing Monaco GP, the Brazilian said: "It"s important to carry on having good results. I hope to stay at Ferrari for several years."

Drivers can switch on...

Drivers can switch on with this latest hybrid – a Toyota Prius you can plug in. The Japanese company is the first major car manufacturer to launch this latest development of eco-friendly motoring.

Electricity company...

Electricity company Powergen has invented a fabric sleeve that slips over the current lollipop handle. It contains an electric heating element, which is powered by a rechargeable battery attached further down the stick. "It"s such a simple idea," said lollipop lady Sheila Bensley from Norwich. "The pole has a heated area on the handle, so it"s perfect for keeping our hands toasty when on patrol."

Emphasising the ST"s...

Emphasising the ST"s sporty style are the optional bold stripes, designed to evoke memories of the original GT40. With the Mondeo"s 150bhp 2.0-litre Duratec engine and a five-speed gearbox, the Fiesta covers 0-60mph in a mere 7.9 seconds and goes on to 129mph.

Ever watched a grand...

Ever watched a grand prix backmarker and reckoned you could do better? Well, this is your chance to see if you"ve got what it takes, as we have teamed up with Uniroyal for the third year running to turn rookies into racers. And this time we have put together the biggest package yet, with five winners joining us in our Uniroyal Team Challenge Beetle clone for up to three races in the series.

Exclusive spy images...

Exclusive spy images in this week"s mag reaveal BMW"s new M3 Convertible. Due on sale early in 2008, it"s a drop-top version of the forthcoming M3 Coupé, and has a muscular look and searing pace from a 400bhp 4.0-litre V8.

Filling stations in...

Filling stations in the UK could soon have plug-in ò€˜pumpsò€™ to top up electric cars.

First, though, the car...

First, though, the car will make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The 4x4 gets a new nose, with a flatter bonnet, rectangular lights and a fresh grille, while the indicator repeaters are moved to the mirrors. New rear lamp lenses and a reprofiled tailgate complete the look.

First up is the Fiat...

First up is the Fiat Sedici, which we revealed with exclusive spy shots in issue 884. Built with the help of Suzuki, the car"s name means 16 in Italian - literally 4x4.

Following last weekò€™s...

Following last weekò€™s first official shots of the new 149, we can now reveal the latest picture of the firmò€™s funky new hatchback, due out in 2008.

Forget scrolling through...

Forget scrolling through your carò€™s sat-nav system to find the right town. Audi A8 owners will soon be able to jot down their destinations by hand!

French giant Citroen...

French giant Citroen is aiming to join the cream of the crop with the latest version of its C4 hatchback.

Go green and save at Citroen

Go green and save at Citroen

Going green could soon...

Going green could soon be as simple as ticking the right box on your car’s options list.

Greener, sleeker and...

Greener, sleeker and safer – that’ll be the revised Audi A8! The executive saloon features a restyled grille, new wing mirrors and fresh LED tail-lights for a more modern look.

Half dune buggy, half...

Half dune buggy, half family hatchback ò€“ this is the latest offering from Renault.

He also offers a VW...

He also offers a VW Beetle with Herbie paint, or if you fancy playing cop for the day, there"s a Ford Mustang as seen in the Steve McQueen classic, Bullitt. How about a Starsky and Hutch-style 1976 Ford Gran Torino, or a black Pontiac Trans Am like the one in Knight Rider? They"re all replicas, except for a pink Cadillac actually driven by Clint Eastwood in the movie of the same name.

Honda is thinking big...

Honda is thinking big with its "New Small Concept" unveiled at the Delhi Motor Show in India today. Designed by Honda Siel Cars India Ltd, the Japanese firm"s Indian arm, the stylish concept will form the basis for a new model to go on sale in India and Thailand next year.

Household vacuum cleaners...

Household vacuum cleaners are great for your living room carpet ò€“ but theyò€™re often too bulky to be used in the car.

However, we grabbed...

However, we grabbed our picture of the heavily revised model as it was being put through its paces outside the Nürburgring race circuit in Germany. Although blankets hide the cosmetic changes, which include a new centre-mounted spare wheel on the back door, you can still see the deep-set front foglamps and more conventional rear wheelarches, which remain largely unconcealed.

Hyundai is planning...

Hyundai is planning to unveil an all-new concept at this yearò€™s Geneva Expo, Auto Express can reveal. Sporting a dramatic new look, the compact HED-6 gives a clear indication of how the firmò€™s next-generation of SUVò€™s will shape up, and judging by this teaser sketch the future looks bright.

If you need more space...

If you need more space for your holiday luggage, but donò€™t have room to store a roof box when itò€™s not in use, the HandiHoldall is the answer. It works with the HandiRack system to provide masses of capacity, yet folds into a package thatò€™s small enough to be kept in the boot.

if you’re crazy...

if you’re crazy about motoring, you’ll love this. Crap Cars Series 1 is a set of playing cards with a difference – as it features some of the worst models of all-time.

If youò€™re left stranded...

If youò€™re left stranded at the side of the road, you can bet that you wonò€™t have the correct kit to fix the problem. But this new Kelvin.23 Multitool should have all the bases covered.

Infiniti"s going topless!...

Infiniti"s going topless! Hot on the heels of the arrival of Nissanò€™s premium brand in Europe, the American market is set to gain a drop-top version of the stylish G37 coupé.

Initially developed...

Initially developed in Norway, the device has subsequently been trialled in France, where tests showed that around 95 per cent of the toxic vapour was eliminated. British environment minister Ben Bradshaw explained: "Petrol fumes from service stations contribute to air pollution and lead to smog in warm weather. Fitting new equipment which can capture these fumes will help to cut risks to public health and the environment."

In our rush to get from...

In our rush to get from A to B, it’s easy to miss the fantastic heritage sites spread around the UK. This clever sat-nav programme aims to redress the balance – and draw your attention to the history that surrounds us.

I spy with my little...

I spy with my little eye something beginning with ‘S’ – secret test tracks! Car makers may think the proving grounds where they fine-tune new models are safely hidden. But they aren’t! No amount of barbed wire, high fencing or burly security staff can guard against the prying eyes of satellites orbiting the earth. These can see everywhere. And thanks to the computer program Google Earth, you can, too. We have used the hi-tech software to look in on 13 of the world’s most heavily guarded test tracks.

Is this the most expensive...

Is this the most expensive car ever sold? The answer is almost certainly yes, if auction house Christie"s has its way. The rare GP racer from Audi goes under the hammer this weekend - and is expected to reach ÷£7.88million.

It"s believed that production...

It"s believed that production of both roadster and coupé versions of the sports car is about to be halted. The two-seater is built for Chrysler by Karmann, which has a deal to make 30,000 annually. However, with sales on a downward spiral last year, Chrysler doesn"t need that many in 2006, and is in "production and associated compensation" discussions with the German firm.

It"s not only the Kangoo...

It"s not only the Kangoo which has had a makeover - Renault’s Scenic compact MPV has also gone under the knife.

It"s the brainchild...

It"s the brainchild of engineers at PSA Peugeot Citroen, and is currently on trial in a specially equipped car. To start, the driver presses a "P" button on the dash. The system then scans either side of the road for likely bays, as the vehicle cruises along at up to 15mph. A dashboard alarm then announces a space has been found and checks it"s free from obstacles, including pedestrians, using sensors in the bumpers.

It"s the end of the...

It"s the end of the line for one of the worldò€™s best-loved coachbuilders.

Jeff Paterson, senior...

Jeff Paterson, senior cars editor at trade bible Glass"s Guide, said: "The Roadster is innovative, and will be quite sought after and collectable now. Generally, prices fall when a model is withdrawn, but as there are so few Roadsters around, this is unlikely. In fact, the lack of supply could mean they even go up in price."

Judging by the cooling...

Judging by the cooling vents in the front bumper and purposeful alloy wheels, it looks like we captured a hot version in the cold, although all models will get the stylish headlights and chunky stance of the car pictured. While Ford isn"t planning to offer a specific performance model, the newcomer is expected to use the same five-cylinder engine fitted to the hot Focus ST. The stylish people carrier is also the first model based on the next-generation Mondeo platform, so other engines will be shared with the all-new family car.

Kia has planted a bigger...

Kia has planted a bigger diesel in its Cee’d. The Korean company is making the 2.0-litre CRDi oil-burner from the Pro_cee’d Sport available across its family car line-up.

Kirk Eden, of Merseyside-based...

Kirk Eden, of Merseyside-based UK Fuel Guard, has borrowed the sound-chip technology to create a warning device designed to prevent diesel drivers accidentally filling up with unleaded - a costly mistake 300,000 motorists make each year.

Makers seem to cram...

Makers seem to cram more and more features into their sat-navs, and produce them in smaller packages. Thatò€™s certainly the case for Navigonò€™s new 1210 ò€“ itò€™s barely bigger than a cassette tape.

Making its debut at...

Making its debut at next March"s Geneva Motor Show, the roadster will have a fully automatic folding fabric roof - unlike the drop-top Murci탩lago. The newcomer"s electro-hydraulic hood retracts neatly at the touch of a button, and sits beneath a flush-fitting cover on the Spyder"s slightly redesigned rear end. The car will go on sale here next summer, priced from around í‚á£130,000. It will be powered by the same 500bhp 5.0-litre V10 as is found in the coup탩.

Meet the team tasked...

Meet the team tasked with saving the UK car industry. Announced earlier this month, the Automotive Council is a Government initiative designed to create long-term strategies for the car industry in this country, and now the all-important members have been named.

Mercedes might be looking...

Mercedes might be looking to fill a niche with its CLT shooting brake, but Vauxhall is aiming to capture the mass market with its Insignia Sports Tourer estate!

Michael Schumacher is...

Michael Schumacher is set to get back behind the wheel of a Ferrari F1 car - but he"s not returning to racing.

More than 4,500 miles...

More than 4,500 miles of main highways are being analysed in a scheme that"s similar to the industry-recognised Euro NCAP assessment for vehicle safety. The more stars a road is awarded, the safer it is.

New rules are set to...

New rules are set to make it almost impossible to dodge parking tickets.

Nissan is turning over...

Nissan is turning over a new Leaf! This specifically built electric car is claimed to be the worldò€™s first affordable, zero-emission passenger vehicle.

Not content with the...

Not content with the hatchback and Golf Plus variants, VW is now revealing this new Estate. The wraps come off the load-lugger at last week"s Geneva Show, and it will hit UK dealers in the summer. It features subtle changes up front, with an R32-style chrome grille and deep air intakes, providing the practical VW with a smart new look.

now you really can make...

now you really can make hands-free phone calls without lifting a finger! The new Bury Technologies CV9040 set-up can be operated solely by speech.

Other useful tips include...

Other useful tips include information on electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as alternative fuels and how to offset your carbon emissions.The Philip’s Green Road Atlas Britain was released just after we had put our Issue 980 product test together – so we’re putting it through its paces now.

Porsche"s new baby has...

Porsche"s new baby has taken its first steps! This is a forthcoming little brother for the Cayenne SUV – which we"ve spied testing at the Nurburgring circuit in Germany for the first time.

Powered by the same...

Powered by the same 4.3-litre V8, the cabrio will be almost as fast as its stablemate, with 0-60mph in only four seconds and a top speed of more than 190mph.

Pretty Ferraris are...

Pretty Ferraris are back in fashion! The Italian supercar

Renault has revived...

Renault has revived the chunky look of its original four-wheel-drive MPV, axed in 2004, with a new Conquest version of the latest car - and it"s on sale now.

Revealed in issue 875...

Revealed in issue 875, the car is a thinly disguised production model set to go on sale next summer. It"s expected to be powered by a 3.0-litre engine - and even the stylish exterior finish might find its way on to the options list.

Scooped at a customer...

Scooped at a customer clinic, the 9-6X was a product of General Motors" tie-up with Subaru, and based on the Japanese firm"s Tribeca off-roader.

Small cars are big news...

Small cars are big news at this yearò€™s Paris Motor Show. Mazda already has one of the best superminis on the market in its stable, but itò€™s already looking to the future with a brand new city car concept.

Smart chose to launch...

Smart chose to launch its Car2Go scheme at the Detroit Motor Show - which aims to put city drivers behind the wheel of its cars without them actually needing to own the vehicle outright.

So if your vehicle is...

So if your vehicle is stolen, you want to ensure staff at the local workshop aren"t using it as a runabout or are simply look-ing for peace of mind, the set-up lets you check its position via the Internet or a mobile phone.

Some tantalising performance...

Some tantalising performance figures have been leaked by Ford Austria for the Focus RS ò€“ and theyò€™re just as shocking as its lurid green paint job!

Speaking at Detroit...

Speaking at Detroit, he also confirmed that the car - officially named the DB9 Volante - will cost 8,000 in American showrooms. The UK price is expected to be announced imminently, and will be in the region of í‚á£115,000.

Spot the difference!...

Spot the difference! Does the glitzy three-door SUV pictured above seem familiar? Thatò€™s because itò€™s SEATò€™s Tribu concept, first seen at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year. However, the monochrome design sketch on the right is how the final production version of the Tribu soft-roader will look!

Standing nearly two...

Standing nearly two metres tall and weighing a scales-busting 2,300kg, it certainly looks imposing. The absence of a B-pillar between the front and rear side windows gives the bruiser"s cabin a light and airy feel. Under the bonnet is a 5.7-litre MDS HEMI V8 engine, and the show car also features the signature Dodge grille, with a brace of hi-tech LED headlights built into the design.

Take a look at the first...

Take a look at the first official picture of Subaru’s Impreza WRX STI!

Take a look inside the...

Take a look inside the production version of the Aston Rapide. This scanned image, originating from an in-house brochure, has been leaked onto the web and shows us the clearest view yet of the four-door-Rapide"s luxurious cabin.

That"s because the Berkshire...

That"s because the Berkshire organisation is using its know-how to help improve the Asian country"s rural roads. At the moment, locals have to rely on dirt tracks to get about, but these become unusable mud baths during monsoon season.

That"s because the cost...

That"s because the cost on a new car can be up to four times that of the equivalent unit for the previous model.

That"s right, the new...

That"s right, the new Gino pays homage to the original Mini, thanks to its dominant chrome grille and big round headlights. However, the car is based on modern underpinnings, and could be offered as a five-door - unlike the illustrious Brit.

The 21-year-old starlet...

The 21-year-old starlet will test for McLaren this week at Jerez in Spain to let team chiefs gauge if he’s ready to step into the seat Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa currently occupies. McLaren boss Ron Dennis confirmed: “Lewis will test this week, but whether anything comes out of it to change our current thinking for the Brazilian GP, time will tell. The test is not an evaluation of his capabilities as a driver. That is not the objective. It is to give him more mileage on a different type of circuit and to learn things that are important for us for Brazil. No decision has been taken, but as and when it is we’ll announce it.”

The 310bhp 2.3-litre...

The 310bhp 2.3-litre 9-5 BioPower, which went on show in Los Angeles last week, produces 50bhp more than its petrol brother. And an impressive torque output of 440Nm means that the flagship model sprints from 0-60mph in less than six seconds - a second faster.

The baby Ford will make...

The baby Ford will make its world debut at next monthò€™s Paris Motor Show, but company bosses have already confirmed trim levels. Thereò€™s a choice of Studio, Style, Style + and Zetec, each with its own unique styling features and equipment. Buyers will also be able to specify optional extras such as Bluetooth phone connectivity and heated seats.

The boxy shape, round...

The boxy shape, round headlamps and utilitarian feel are all reminiscent of the original Bronco from the Sixties, which was one of the first off-roaders to ignite America"s SUV passion. The look is brought up to date with LED lights and bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels. And with the rear part of the roof being removable, it also offers open-air mud-plugging.

The car is called the...

The car is called the Tiida and goes on sale in its home market later this summer. But the Japanese firm says it has more radical plans for its new family hatch in Europe, which is expected to debut next year.

The central area will...

The central area will be a replica of Tracy Island, while a recreation of Thunderbird 2 will be suspended from the roof. There will be original vehicles and props from the film, plus a 25-minute show every two hours. At 7,400 square metres - the size of a football pitch - the show stand will be the largest that the company has ever created in Europe.

The changes, which include...

The changes, which include a new-style grille and revised body mouldings, also provide the people carrier with a family likeness to the Giugiaro-designed Kalos supermini.

The company is hoping...

The company is hoping its pioneering R10 TDI racing programme will not only help push the development of more powerful road car engines, but also increase public demand for performance oil-burners.

The current version...

The current version has never been sold in Britain, but is a massive hit across Europe. It isn"t a big money-spinner for Renault, because of the slim profit margins on small cars, but bosses hope to shift the replacement up a segment, so they will be able to charge a premium. The Twingo will still serve as an entry-level car in some countries, but would be marketed as a trendy fashion accessory in others, which would include the UK.

The curved grooves in...

The curved grooves in the solid tread blocks also play a key role in reducing uneven wear. Aimed solely at the replacement market, the S.Drive also boasts a narrow width, which makes fitting bigger wheel and tyre sizes easier, reducing the risk of fouling wheelarches.

The Fiesta isn’t...

The Fiesta isn’t the only hot new car from Ford. There’s also a top-of-the-range version of the Mondeo family model.

The firm has come up...

The firm has come up with a split-screen design for its new C620 – and it promises to make drivers’ lives easier.

The firm has facelifted...

The firm has facelifted the award-winning model, and here are the first official shots of the result! A sharper grille and headlights lead the changes, while new colours and hi-tech safety equipment will also feature.

The Ghost has emerged...

The Ghost has emerged from the shadows! And the hot news is that the ò€˜babyò€™ Rolls- Royce will boast supercar performance when it goes on sale later in the year.

The Government has set...

The Government has set up a new body to work more closely with the car industry on developing the UKò€™s production of green cars.

The inside of the Ka...

The inside of the Ka is out...almost! Weò€™ve already seen how the all-new Ka city car will look, but Ford hasnò€™t released any interior shots of the newcomer. However, to coincide with the carò€™s upcoming appearance in the James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace, the firm has unveiled the first image of the all-new Kaò€™s interior.

The line-up includes...

The line-up includes a host of fresh features, incorporating powerful new diesel engines and the option of four-wheel drive. The 9-3 gets a striking chrome grille and swept-back headlamps, while a revamped bumper design also helps set the new car apart from its predecessor. Under the bonnet, buyers will be able to specify a 178bhp 1.9-litre TTiD diesel engine for the first time.

The load-luggers, penned...

The load-luggers, penned by Luigi Colani, are on display at The Road Ahead - a vehicle design competition and expo being held in London"s Dray Walk Gallery between 11 and 19 February.

The major recovery firms...

The major recovery firms can pinpoint your exact location simply from your mobile signal these days – but not if the battery’s dead on your handset!

The Mercedes E320 CDI...

The Mercedes E320 CDI models - powered by the firm"s new 224bhp V6 oil-burner - completed the epic run as part of a record-breaking endurance challenge in Laredo, Texas.

The model will combine...

The model will combine advanced hybrid techno÷­logy with the brand"s low-emission Bluetec diesel know-how. Likely to hit dealers in 2009, the 4x4 should emit less than 200g/km of CO2 and return 40mpg. That puts it on a par with the latest C320 CDI.

The name will be familiar...

The name will be familiar to DIY and professional mechanics alike for its hand cleaner – it has been selling treatments since way back in the Forties. But the firm is now staking a claim for a slice of the car care market with its Pro Valet range.

The official picture...

The official picture shows that the SUV will be a soft-roader, and easily identifiable thanks to those large wheelarches and increased ground clearance. The move into America - a country renowned for its love of large vehicles - is a brave one for Smart, and the firm will be hoping the ForMore makes a bigger impact than the ForTwo, which debuted at the recent Detroit Motor Show. As we revealed last week, there was only one car, sited on its own at the side of the Mercedes stand.

The Panamera isnò€™t...

The Panamera isnò€™t the only big news from Stuttgart this week ò€“ Porsche has also announced its first diesel!

The people will watch...

The people will watch for drivers breaking safety rules, then use a remote control system to flash personalised warning messages via an electronic sign further down the road.

The replacement for...

The replacement for the Nissan Cube will be no square, Auto Express can exclusively reveal. Thatò€™s because itò€™s set to take its inspiration from the wild looking Mixim concept car that debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The revised model gets...

The revised model gets a new mesh grille and sportier, low-slung front and rear bumpers designed to make it appear less tall. It also has LED rear lamps to give a more modern finish, and there"s a choice of four new paint options. Inside, the Japanese firm has redesigned the entire dashboard and brightened up the trim with new colour schemes. A leather steering wheel has been added, and there"s also an op-tional sat-nav screen. To keep up with the likes of Nissan"s Micra, a new smart card key system hooked up to the immobiliser has been fitted.

These are the first...

These are the first official pictures of the three-door BMW 1-Series, which joins a revised five-door in dealers in March. To go with its fresh look, the line-up has a host of features designed to boost fuel economy.

The technology under...

The technology under the bonnet was a talking point, too, as the car has a 2.0-litre petrol/electric hybrid powerplant. Mated to an all-wheel-drive transmission, this promises supercar-humbling performance and class-leading fuel economy.

The top-secret model...

The top-secret model is still unnamed, but it"s thought it will be called either the MLK or X-Class. Ready to open up the three-pointed star to a wider audience, the new car will bring sleek styling and polished road manners to the premium compact SUV sector.

The value-for-money...

The value-for-money brand is set to unveil a trio of fresh models at the event. Top of the bill is the world debut of the new Sedona MPV, which goes on sale in July. Despite being taller and wider than the current model, the people carrier is actually shorter than the car it replaces. However, its spacious cabin boasts seven individual seats that can each be folded or removed.

The wraps are off a...

The wraps are off a drop-top version of Bugatti"s Veyron at last! Called the Grand

They are guaranteeing...

They are guaranteeing not to run out of the icy road treatment, having stockpiled 500,000 tonnes of it across the UK. And that isn"t the only seasonal preparation being made by the Highways Agency. It has revealed a fleet of 500 gritters and snowploughs are on standby, ready to work round the clock if necessary to clear roads of ice and snow.

They should put the...

They should put the brakes on the 400 crossover accidents a year in the UK which account for 40 deaths.

This type of lamp has...

This type of lamp has been proven to reduce accidents, but unless your car was fitted with them at the factory, your only option has been to drive on dipped beam. And that increases fuel consumption, because the vehicle’s alternator has to work harder.

To our way of thinking...

To our way of thinking, a facelift in 2003 spoiled the 156"s looks, and you can"t beat the earlier cars when it comes to value for money. The trademark offset number plate, heart-shaped grille and hidden rear door handles were there from the start, and with a decent engine line-up from day one - including the cracking 2.0-litre Twin Spark - there"s much to recommend it. Fragile interior trim and shoddy build are the major weaknesses, so stick to low-mileage cars with a full dealer history to minimise the risks of buying a dud.

Top portable sat-nav...

Top portable sat-nav developer TomTom has unveiled the rest of its range to support the flagship Go930T we tested recently (Issue 1,012).

Transport Secretary...

Transport Secretary Alistair Darling is keeping a close eye on a trial project in Portland, Oregon, US - and could use it as a replacement for car tax if it proves a success.

Tucked between other...

Tucked between other cars on a transporter, the thin disguise made it easy to see the M탩gane-inspired front. The rear is similar to the current model, with all-new light clusters the only real change.

Two eco-friendly bays...

Two eco-friendly bays in London"s West End offer a three-hour stay. That"s enough time to recharge most cars, according to Westminster council. Interested owners of electric cars first need to register on the borough"s eco-mark scheme. It already has 280 members, but for a ÷£50 deposit, they get a special cable to plug into the sock-ets. The UK has the world"s largest number of electric vehicles, currently at more than 10,000.

Unsold motors are piling...

Unsold motors are piling up at ports around the world ò€“ so car manufacturers are taking to the seas for storage!

Unveiled at the Rimini...

Unveiled at the Rimini Tuning Show in Italy, this limited-edition version features white stripes on the sides, bonnet, C-pillars and tailgate, as well as a matching double-chevron badge on the grille.

Voice recognition technology...

Voice recognition technology is creeping into the car and, in particular, the new generation of sat-navs ò€“ with Garminò€™s nüvi 860T the latest to benefit.

We featured the work...

We featured the work of the Scandinavian scientists in issue 796, long before we"d heard of the Tweel. They first developed their combined tyre and wheel in 1989, yet only managed to raise enough money to build prototypes three years ago. Track trials were due to start this month, but have been axed after lab results showed the wheel was far louder than expected.

We thought the Marangoni...

We thought the Marangoni MiTo M430 was as wild as Alfa Romeoò€™s new baby could get. But bosses in Italy have revealed that a high-performance MiTo GTA will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March ò€“ and itò€™s targeting the MINI JCW.

We were excited to see...

We were excited to see it, but when we contacted Alfa, staff were mystified. "The car is not official and we don"t know what it is," was the company line. Our contact claimed the model doesn"t exist - and isn"t likely to any time soon.

WHATò€™S six to the...

WHATò€™S six to the power of four? VW has the answer!

While Audi has cancelled...

While Audi has cancelled plans to build a diesel R8, the good news is itò€™s definitely going ahead with a drop-top Spyder model.

While enthusiasts might...

While enthusiasts might prefer the faster Griffith, the Chimaera outsold its rival to become the most popular car in the company"s history - and it"s the best used bet, too.

While everyone loves...

While everyone loves a good arcade racing game, itò€™s difficult to get that ò€˜realò€™ feeling in your living room with just a console and a widescreen TV. Invest in the new Liberty MultiDrive RS Driving Simulator, however, and there will be plenty of feedback.

Wireless cameras could...

Wireless cameras could soon bring average speed checks to every motorist’s doorstep.

With added power and...

With added power and more style, Audi is giving its new A5 Sportback the ò€˜Sò€™ treatment ahead of its Frankfurt debut. And this is the first offical picture of the newcomer!

With a powerful V6 engine...

With a powerful V6 engine and four- wheel drive, a spokesman told us: "It"s a car to test the market reaction to new design trends." That means features such as the triangular exhaust pipes and polished metal sills could make it to future Suzuki models, such as the Jimny or Grand Vitara.

With styling inspired...

With styling inspired by the Mazda RX-8, and a chassis built around the same blocks that will underpin the next-generation Ford Mondeo, the car promises class-leading driving dynamics and a spacious, upmarket interior.

Working away at stubborn...

Working away at stubborn marks on your car can be hard going ò€“ but the Sonic Scrubber Pro Detailer takes over for you. The powered tool now comes with new heads and a rack to keep everything in place.

You might expect Holden...

You might expect Holden to import the Astra OPC (it stands for Opel Performance Centre), sold across Europe, as the firm normally uses Opel models for such projects. But the RHD Griffin is better suited to Australians, who also drive on the left side of the road.

You’ve seen the...

You’ve seen the toy – now check out the real thing! Last week Auto Express brought you exclusive images of the new Citroen C4 Picasso as a scale model, but these are the first official images of the real thing.