Trucks

100,000,000: General...

100,000,000: General Motors has poured 0million (чЈ49m) into its plant in South Africa to build Hummers - its largest-ever investment in the country.

101: Top speed, in mph...

101: Top speed, in mph, of Vauxhall"s Viva GT, which was launched in 1968. More than 4,600 were built during a two-year production run.

309,500: Price in pounds...

309,500: Price in pounds paid for an Aston Martin DB4GT at a marque-exclusive Bonhams auction back in 2003 - the highest figure a vehicle has achieved at such an event.

ABD Road Safety Spokesman...

ABD Road Safety Spokesman Mark McArthur-Christie explained: "a driver travelling at 45mph on an empty road at 2am could be causing far less danger than one doing 35mph at a busy time, perhaps past a school or in a shopping area, yet under these new proposals the former driver will be severely punished whilst the latter will have his penalty reduced. The same applies to a driver travelling at 100mph on a quiet motorway. Compared to a driver doing 70mph in fog or spray he may be infinitely safer yet he will recieve six points whilst the dangerous driver will not even be reprimanded. It"s an absolute nonsense."

According to our sources...

According to our sources, the Roomster has barely changed in its transition to roadgoing form. However, it"s not known if the supermini-MPV will retain the asymmetrical layout of the show car, or even its name. The Octavia and Superb are named after old Skodas, and the firm has reportedly registered "Popular" - from a Thirties coupнѓ© - and "Roomster".

A diehard James Bond...

A diehard James Bond fan has reportedly shelled out ТЈ200,000 for a DBS... that doesnтЂ™t work! The car in question cost ТЈ37,500 more than the list price, but itтЂ™s not just a random wreck. ItтЂ™s the model written off by an Aston engineer during filming of the latest Bond epic тЂ“ Quantum of Solace тЂ“ which opens on 31 October.

A failure to attract...

A failure to attract BMW and Mercedes buyers has meant the Phaeton will be dropped from the German firm"s US line-up next year, leaving it to concentrate on Golf variants such as the Eos cabrio and a 4x4 crossover.

After claiming that...

After claiming that UK buyers would get only the normally aspirated 1.5 and 2.0-litre models at the launch in September, the Japanese manufacturer has had a change of heart.

A leading car rental...

A leading car rental firm has reported a drop in the number of its customers prosecuted for speeding – but the number of general road fines has rocketed. National Car Rental, which has 40,000 vehicles in the UK and forwards penalties to the hirer, says the number of traffic fines is twice as high as last year.

And they got their wish...

And they got their wish: battling one of the world"s choppiest waterways, the daring duo used two yellow Dutton sea cars in a trip which took seven hours, as opposed to the 90 minutes it normally takes by ferry. The first amphibious Channel crossing in 41 years, it was done to highlight the strength of the vehicles.

A revised engine range...

A revised engine range and sporty new looks head the changes to the fresh-faced Daihatsu Sirion, which goes on sale next week.

As a result, a naturally...

As a result, a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol powerplant will also be developed - likely to be a high-revving, slightly detuned version of the same 300bhp-plus engine that will power Subaru"s WRC entry from 2009. Crucially, this model is set to retain the trademark 4WD layout. Also in the pipeline is a production variant of the hybrid turbocharged boxer drivetrain from the B5 concept. A Subaru first, it will be co-developed with Toyota and is set to arrive in 2009 in an all-new Legacy. A faceч­lifted version of the current car has recently been launched.

A spokeswoman told Auto...

A spokeswoman told Auto Express: "The Evo always has to be the ultimate Mitsubishi, and we wouldn"t want to dilute that with anything but our most extreme model."

A survey conducted by...

A survey conducted by mail order company Carparts-direct.co.uk suggested 28 per cent of motorists had suffered some kind of vandalism to their vehicle in the last three years. Most suffered scratches to paintwork while parked, a snapped aerial or dented body panel while some suffered major damage causing thousands of pounds worth of repairs. Only 32% of the victims questioned reported the incident to the police.

Audis" smart sat-nav

Audis" smart sat-nav

Based on the firm"s...

Based on the firm"s SL600 convertible, it has a twin-turbocharged 6.3-litre V12 engine, giving 730bhp and peak torque of 1,320Nm. That"s enough to cover 0-62mph in four seconds and 0-190mph in half a minute.

But what else can buyers...

But what else can buyers expect? Tantalisingly, the report also mentioned "the introduction of the next-generation Corsa and a new two-seater roadster in 2006".

Car"mon England! Forget...

Car"mon England! Forget about flying the flag from your side window - hereтЂ™s one St GeorgeтЂ™s Cross made entirely out of cars! Toyota drivers created the amazing scene at their plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire, to back EnglandтЂ™s bid for the World Cup.

Cars will soon be able...

Cars will soon be able to understand up to 300,000 words after work to boost in-car speech recognition systems proved a success. The move will make driving easier and safer. Experts from electronics giant Siemens are completing elocution lessons for the technology so it can recognise a large number of voice commands instantly. Drivers will be able to give instructions such as: “Raise the front passenger window and lock the doors.” The first applications will be for sat-navs, where speaking will do away with tedious typing. “Dialogue is the key element of future speech recognition,” said a Siemens spokesman.

Chevrolet’s cheap...

Chevrolet’s cheap and cheerful family hatch is becoming even more affordable. In Issue 1,000, Auto Express drove the revised five-door Aveo, which starts at чЈ7,500. But now, the US firm has announced a three-door (above), expected to cost чЈ200 less.

Codenamed the MX Micro...

Codenamed the MX Micro Sport, the newcomer will be aimed directly at the Renaultsport Clio 182 and forthcoming Vauxhall Corsa GSi. The car is powered by the gutsy 150bhp 2.0-litre engine that made its debut in the Mazda 6, and should be capable of reaching a top speed of around 130mph.

Conч­firmation of a...

Conч­firmation of a round at the Corby track (below) on 22 April completes the line-up, with the other nine fixtures already announced.

Dealer chain Stratstone...

Dealer chain Stratstone adding five new locations to increase number of Cadillac and Corvette sites to 19. Expansion timed to coincide with imminent arrival of RHD version of American giant"s BLS saloon.

Designed and built in...

Designed and built in the Midlands by the same teams that produced the award-winning Jaguar XK sports GT range in 2006 – the C-XF concept is a precursor to cars that will become recognised for their ground-breaking exterior looks and innovative interiors.

Designer supercars are...

Designer supercars are all the rage! Hot on the heels of the Bugatti Veyron Hermes edition comes this, the Lamborghini LP640 Roadster Versace. ItтЂ™s a collaboration between ItalyтЂ™s foremost fashion house and its most outrageous car maker.

Despite its monstrous...

Despite its monstrous size and appearance, early indications suggest the new R-Class really is very good indeed. Predictably, other car manufacturers are keen to join the battle for sales in this emerging sector. BMW is developing a rival in the shape of the V5, while Audi"s Q7 goes on sale soon. Vauxhall is the first of the volume manufacturers to commit so openly to the new class - so is it expecting to do battle with Germany"s finest? The simple answer is no - Vauxhall simply wants to try something new in a tough sector of the market.

Don"t be fooled by the...

Don"t be fooled by the disguise – this previous-generation Focus is the latest mule for the scorching new Focus RS, due next spring for around чЈ25,000.

Double your economy...

Double your economy in the same car - this is the startling claim put to the test by Auto Express readers this week. In an exclusive test, we set four readers the task of doubling their fuel economy by doing nothing more than changing their driving style.

Each gets dark grey...

Each gets dark grey paintwork, revised radiator grilles, side sills and roof rails. Extra chrome detailing, particularly on the wing mirrors and around the front bumper, helps to give the vehicles a more exclusive feel. Inside, Subaru promises every conceivable extra, from satellite navigation to top-line audio equipment.

EVEN if you don"t start...

EVEN if you don"t start the car, the bill for draining the tank is up to н‚бЈ80. It is reckoned that the annual cost of misfuelling to British business is н‚бЈ800million.

Every car maker wants...

Every car maker wants to see the sale of a new model get off to a flying start – but Fiat has taken it literally! In a stunt to drum up excitement about its hotly anticipated 500, the Italian firm is hijacking a London Eye capsule for the supermini’s public debut!

Every second counts...

Every second counts in Formula One, and you can keep track with this chronograph from Seiko, which celebrates its partnership with Honda’s grand prix team. The liveried piece provides split-second timing and an alarm, and has non-reflective crystal glass, a jet-black dial with Lumibrite detail and a date window.

Fancy a car that has...

Fancy a car that has been developed by seven times F1 World Champion? I bet you do. Italian maker Ferrari has unveiled the 430 Scuderia. The actual presentation was nearly called off due to the amount of media but we battled our way through the hordes to get you the story...

Fancy feeling the wind...

Fancy feeling the wind in your hair... at 207mph? That"s the incredible prospect awaiting potential owners of the McLaren Mercedes SLR convertible - a car that has remained top secret until now.

Fiat"s going to roll...

Fiat"s going to roll back the years тЂ“ literally. The firm will pull the wraps off a new soft-top Fiat 500 at the Geneva Motor Show in March. And in keeping with the city carтЂ™s retro design, it will have a similar roof mechanism to the original 500тЂ™s.

Finding the greenest...

Finding the greenest used cars will be made easier, if a new scheme from HPI is a success. The vehicle history data company has introduced its own eco-sheets, containing environmental information about used models. They’re free to dealers, and follow a similar design to those for new cars to help second-hand buyers see CO2 emissions more easily.

Fines for fixed-penalty...

Fines for fixed-penalty offences are set to be reduced to чЈ40 and two licence points from the current blanket charge of чЈ60 and three.

Ford has built the fastest...

Ford has built the fastest fuel cell vehicle in the world. The highly

Forgotten where you...

Forgotten where you put your car keys? These specs will help you find them! The Smart Goggle records everything the wearer sees, and also recognises objects – so it can show you where you last saw them. The glasses were developed by boffins at Tokyo University, and while this prototype is too large for practical use, scientists are working on miniaturising the electronics.

For the first time in...

For the first time in the history of the event, visitors will be able to park their vehicles under the display areas and get to the expo direct. The six-month project provides 1,600 bays.

Freeze тЂ“ you"ve been...

Freeze тЂ“ you"ve been caught! These images prove Lamborghini engineers are hard at work putting the finishing touches to a replacement for the Murcielago supercar.

Game design legend Yamauchi...

Game design legend Yamauchi is the brains behind it, and he celebrated in style by taking delivery of Japan"s first Ford GT - the only one in the world which is all white. The GT is among 500 cars from 80 different manufacturers in the game. Each is accurately reproduced, with realistic handling and performance.

GENERAL Motors was set...

GENERAL Motors was set to file for bankruptcy on Monday тЂ“ but Vauxhall and Opel could be saved by Canadian-Austrian parts maker Magna International.

German design house...

German design house Startech, part of the Brabus group, has boosted the Jeep Commander"s 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine by 44bhp to 262bhp. This slashes the 0-62mph time from 9.0 to 8.5 seconds, while increasing the top speed from 118mph to 124mph.

Grant broke a 2005 record...

Grant broke a 2005 record of 69 donuts set by Dale Morrison, using his road-going Sagaris fitted with standard Yokohama tyres. He performed for the Guinness World Records TV show in Madrid, Spain. "I"m a bit dizzy now," he joked afterwards.

He entered several competitions...

He entered several competitions, often racing in his stripey farmer"s boiler suit as he"d come straight from work. And those stripes appeared later on the Cobra 427. By 1954, Shelby was one of the world"s most promising drivers, and set 70 land-speed records in an Austin-Healey. But a serious heart condition, diagnosed when he was 36, forced Shelby to give up racing - and he got involved in car development. In 1961, he mailed a proposal to AC Cars of Thames Ditton, Surrey, suggesting it fit a small-block Ford V8 into the Ace - and four years later, the Shelby Cobra 427 was born. Shelby has been involved with performance Fords ever since...

Here’s a cheap...

Here’s a cheap way to personalise your Vauxhall. London design agency Precious McBane has created tattoos for the firm’s cars.

Here’s one kitchen...

Here’s one kitchen which will appeal to fast food fans – it’s been designed by Porsche. The performance brand has teamed up with Germany’s oldest furniture manufacturer, Poggenpohl, to produce this culinary masterpiece.

HOLLAND: An estranged...

HOLLAND: An estranged mother and daughter from near Utrecht were reunited after they crashed their cars into each other and realised they were related.

Hybrids such as the...

Hybrids such as the Citroen C-Crosser not only help save the environment, but owners cash in, too, in the form of lower fuel bills. With this in mind, one Toyota Prius buyer has splashed out on options - to the tune of чЈ15,000!

If they react too slowly...

If they react too slowly, it warns them to take a break. Student Dan Ruffle, 22, invented the device as part of his course at Brunel University, Middx, and hopes a car brand will produce it. "It"s affordable and does the job," he said.

If you want to get to...

If you want to get to work on your Volvo, you’re in luck! The S40 and V50 are the latest models to be added to Haynes’ superb maintenance range.

In a bid to help the...

In a bid to help the Government meet EU targets for the use of biofuels, the Commission has 160 vehicles already using biodiesel and one running entirely on 100 per cent used cooking oil that hasn"t even been refined into biodiesel.

Inspired by the Simba...

Inspired by the Simba concept from last year"s Geneva Motor Show, the 4x4"s raised suspension is clearly visible. A range of diesel and petrol engines is likely, with the base car getting a 1.2 petrol unit.

Insurancewide"s "motorwizard"...

Insurancewide"s "motorwizard" will target companies according to your personal profile, so, for example, younger users will be directed to companies who specialise in this sector of the market, females will be similarly directed and so on. By vetting the companies approached, it saves you time when choosing an insurance company and mean you are more likely to get the most suitable insurance policy for your needs.

Ireland: A Wexford taxi...

Ireland: A Wexford taxi has clocked up enough miles to go to the moon and back. Roy Chapman"s Peugeot 405 has done more than 600,000 miles in only seven years.

IRELAND: Ex-traffic...

IRELAND: Ex-traffic warden Sean O"Leary, 65, from Dublin, drove to Rome with his wife to celebrate his retirement - but got clamped in the Italian capital.

It had been touted as...

It had been touted as the smart way to drive dream vehicles. But one of the most exclusive supercar clubs in the UK has been forced to call in the administrator.

It is being billed as...

It is being billed as an affordable, high-performance entry-level coupнѓ©. Slotting in below the 350Z, this pocket rocket could revive the 240Z badge, which has not been seen since production of the original model ceased in 1974.

It looks as if Skoda...

It looks as if Skoda is about to go exploring again. This is the Fabia Scout – a rugged version of the new Estate. As with the Octavia and Roomster Scout variants, it has protective body mouldings and a raised ride height. To that it adds a handy, fold-out rear ledge and a system of luggage straps in the boot. With more room than a Volvo V50 and chunky looks, it should prove popular when it goes on sale next year, priced from around чЈ12,000. A facelifted Octavia will also arrive in 2008.

It’s a heady mix...

It’s a heady mix of stylish metal from the Turin car marque and neat touches from motorbike firm Ducati.

It"s been penned by...

It"s been penned by students at the prestigious Istituto Europeo di Design in Turin, it"s a funky new crossover using green hybrid technology.

It"s one of the most...

It"s one of the most eagerly anticipated British-built cars for years, and the wait is nearly over.

It"s the BMW thatтЂ™ll...

It"s the BMW thatтЂ™ll turn rivals green with envy. The German firm has announced that it will unveil its cleanest, meanest sports concept yet at SeptemberтЂ™s Frankfurt Motor Show.

It"s the car that had...

It"s the car that had the press flocking to see it! Mercedes" "Gullwing" SLS AMG stunned Frankfurt with it"s retro-inspired looks and modern mechanicals - proving that Merc"s performance arm AMG is more than simply a tuner.

It uses a portable gas...

It uses a portable gas heater to melt the tarmac around potholes to 215 degrees Celsius in less than eight minutes, and can fix damaged highways for a fraction of the cost of current methods. What"s more, the technology recycles existing road materials.

Japanese giant Toyota...

Japanese giant Toyota is working on a new single-seater тЂ“ but this one isnтЂ™t bound for Formula One!

JAPAN: Tokyo scientists...

JAPAN: Tokyo scientists have built an on-board computer that asks questions and squirts water at drivers if their answers imply they"re dozing off at the wheel.

Larger than the current...

Larger than the current Corolla, the newcomer is expected to be bolstered by a Verso-badged seven-seater compact MPV, which will also be bigger than the current model. The new hatchback line-up is expected to be launched in the UK towards the end of 2006.

Last week (Issue 1,031)...

Last week (Issue 1,031), Auto Express brought you the first official teaser shot of the new Porsche Panamera. But now, we have the best look yet at the front-engined saloon тЂ“ and itтЂ™s come from an unlikely source!

Mazda has taken the...

Mazda has taken the wraps off its wildest concept ever in Frankfurt. The MX-5 Superlight weighs in at less than 1,000kg and shows just how important weight saving will be for the firm in years to come.

MINI fans may never...

MINI fans may never own the firmтЂ™s electric version, but the new entry-level First is already a hit. The budget car accounts for nearly a quarter of the brandтЂ™s sales since its summer launch.

Money canтЂ™t buy taste...

Money canтЂ™t buy taste тЂ“ but it can buy a Bentley Continental GT-based Tetsu GSR.

Motorists who sport...

Motorists who sport the special "watch" have been convicted of drink-driving, and it"s designed to stop them repeating their crime.

Motorway service giant...

Motorway service giant Moto is investing чЈ30million to bring newsagent WH Smith to its sites alongside the established Marks & Spencer Simply Food stores.

Nissan is set to update...

Nissan is set to update its award-winning Note. The range – which was voted Best Supermini-MPV in Auto Express’s New Car Honours (Issue 971) – will comprise Visia, Acenta and Tekna trims.

Not only is it ideal...

Not only is it ideal for all track facts and figures, there’s also a guide to racing lines for drivers and the best viewing points for fans, too.

ONE of the world’s...

ONE of the world’s youngest car companies has got a new badge! Chinese maker Geely, which was set up in 1997, has replaced its old logo with this swirling design (below) as part of a competition held to help modernise the firm’s appearance.

Parking firm NCP, which...

Parking firm NCP, which employs wardens in Islington, north London, has claimed the metre-high doll is a symbol of victimisation of its employees. "It might be a bit of fun to some people, but others can easily be offended," said a spokesman.

Porsche isnтЂ™t the...

Porsche isnтЂ™t the only sports car maker joining the front-engined party. This latest teaser from Lamborghini (above) shows the tail-light of an all-new car the firm is revealing at Paris this week. It follows on from the rear end shot bosses released last week.

Powered by a 645bhp...

Powered by a 645bhp Wankel rotary engine, the Skycar uses four fans to lift it into the air, which can then propel the two-seater to speeds of up to 380mph. The range is said to be 900 miles, and it can cruise at altitudes of up to 29,000 feet.

Powered by the same...

Powered by the same engine as is found in Ford"s Focus ST, the T5 develops 220bhp and hits 0-62mph in around six seconds. Priced from чЈ21,495 to чЈ22,995, this performance version of the new hatch is aiming to take on VW"s Golf GTI and Audi"s A3. The super-Swede doesn"t go on sale until January, but Volvo says it"s already had more pre-orders than for the highly popular XC90.

Reigning BTCC champ...

Reigning BTCC champ Matt Neal’s favourite food is his mum’s Sunday roast and his hobbies include mountain biking, computer games and spending time with his two sons. All extracts from his profile on the new Team Halfords website, which offers race results, behind-the-scenes news, circuit maps, so you can impress your mates with in-depth track knowledge, galleries, profiles, results and blogs and forums. Everything for BTCC followers and an invaluable resource for tracking the remaining seven events.

Renault has revealed...

Renault has revealed prices for its all-new Laguna Coupé range. The entry-level 2.0 dCi 150 starts at ТЈ20,995, and comes with 18-inch alloys, eight airbags and dual-zone climate control as standard. The cheapest petrol variant is the 2.0-litre Turbo 205, which weighs in at ТЈ22,345 тЂ“ thatтЂ™s ТЈ6,805 less than the equivalent BMW 325i SE Coupé.

Robbie Kerr raised hopes...

Robbie Kerr raised hopes of a long-overdue debut A1 GP triumph by qualifying on the front row at Sentul in Indonesia. But he slipped back to finish the sprint race in third, and retired from the feature race after spinning out of fourth.

RUSSIA: Council bosses...

RUSSIA: Council bosses in Tashtagol have ordered stray cows to be impounded, as they"re causing traffic chaos. Pictures of the animals are shown on TV, and owners pay a fine to get them back.

Safety at roadworks...

Safety at roadworks could be improved thanks to a clever new invention. Student Paul Scrase of Brunel University, London, came up with the idea of clipping illuminated arrows or chevrons to the top of road cones. The creation won the Reliance Security Group"s prize for design, an annual safety product competition, and scooped Paul a н‚бЈ2,000 prize. David Campbell, from the Road Maintenance Association, said: "Any invention designed to keep traffic on the correct side of roadworks sounds good. Too many incidents occur with drivers being confused by coned areas."

Say goodbye to earpieces...

Say goodbye to earpieces and tangled wires and hello to a neat solution that relays phone calls through your car"s audio system. The radio or CD is automatically muted when a call comes in.

Significant savings...

Significant savings can be made on bumpers, front wings, door panels, bonnets, headlamps, radiators and radiator grilles - the parts most likely to need replacing after an accident - and the price reductions apply to vehicles registered between 1989 and 2000, depending on the model and part.

South Africa: Police...

South Africa: Police in Johannesburg couldn"t catch the team behind a spate of lorry thefts, so transport bosses called in a witch doctor. He pinned dolls to the cabs - and the crime spree stopped immediately.

SsangYong"s range will...

SsangYong"s range will grow to include a short-wheelbase off-roader based on the Kyron platform next summer. This is likely to see a revival of the Korando badge.

Surveys regularly reveal...

Surveys regularly reveal tailgating is one of motorists" biggest worries. Astucia, an Oxford-based company specialising in the hi-tech studs, is behind the plan. A spokesman told us: "We"re in preliminary talks with highways officials about how the technology can be used to stop vehicles travelling too closely together."

Suzuki is singing the...

Suzuki is singing the praises of its all-new Alto. The city car debuts at the Paris Motor Show this October, and its sporty looks are sure to make it a popular addition to the range.

Take a look at the rarest...

Take a look at the rarest Abarth 500 ever! Only 10 examples of this Competizione-badged model will be built, each featuring a raft of visual upgrades over the flagship 160bhp Abarth 500 Essesse on which they are based.

Tests carried out by...

Tests carried out by the Transport Research Laboratory in Berkshire found that consuming one bottle of Lucozade Extra, which contains 60mg of glucose and 40mg of caffeine, can be enough to quicken reactions. The trials were sponsored by the drinks maker. On average, the improvement was a tenth of a second, or three metres at 70mph. Lane-keeping also improved, and drivers kept their distance when following vehicles.

That"s what UK marque...

That"s what UK marque Ginetta is doing. This is the first picture of the firm"s G50, which goes on sale in 2008.

The 422 is designed...

The 422 is designed to drastically cut the moisture that builds up in garages and workshops during wet weather, and can remove up to 21 litres a day. Water is collected in the integral container, or it can be piped outside. An auto defrost facility ensures the 422 does not ice up, and a two-speed fan speeds up moisture collection.

"The AA has never and...

"The AA has never and will never endorse a fuel additive product," a representative told Auto Express. Other contentious claims - about emission levels and fuel economy - have been removed since our exposнѓ© in issue 814.

The ad, which is also...

The ad, which is also on Renault"s website, features people shaking uncontrollably as a Mнѓ©gane drives by. But 10 viewers felt the footage mocked Parkinson"s Disease victims. A spokeswoman said: "It was withdrawn when we realised it was causing offence."

The award-winning Citroн«n...

The award-winning Citroн«n C4 transforming robot reappears on TV screens from June 5th, this time performing on an ice covered lake. The car-robot speed-skates energetically across the lake, before coming to a stop, showering a cloud of ice over a group of on-lookers.

The battery-powered...

The battery-powered twist ‘n’ go machine has a range of around 60 miles when travelling at its restricted top speed of 30mph – and the maker claims it costs only 1p per mile to run.

The big freeze has led...

The big freeze has led to a record number of breakdown callouts.

The breakdown group...

The breakdown group has just revealed its most unusual call-outs - and animals have caused many of the bizarre problems.

The Brit finished runner-up...

The Brit finished runner-up to Sebastien Bourdais last year, and is now looking to go one better in 2007. “I’m delighted to continue my relationship with RuSPORT,” he said. “It has been a great combination and we have big ambitions. Continuity counts for a lot in motorsport and this deal allows me to focus on fighting for the title.”

The British Grand Prix...

The British Grand Prix has seen a huge surge in ticket sales, thanks to Lewis Hamilton and Anthony Davidson joining F1. Silverstone says two grandstands have sold out and a further rush in January for early booking discounts is likely.

The car is based on...

The car is based on the range-topping Design, but adds a black leather interior, heated seats, cruise control and 11-spoke 18-inch alloys. "These options would normally cost чЈ1,200, but the price is actually чЈ470 less than the model on which it is based," said a spokesman.

The cleaners were out...

The cleaners were out in force on the Jag stand - always a sure sign that the already well-thumbed paintwork has been a hit with visitors. Not surprisingly really, when its stand"s sole attention was focussed on the firm"s most important car in its 85-year history. The XF will certainly need to be top cat if its sights are firmly set on taking the fight straight to the BMW 5-series and the Audi A6. The newcomer is pretty much unchaged from the sensational C-XF concept first glimpsed at the Detroit Show earlier this year. After the lacklustre S-Type, the XF gives the Coventry firm a dynamic prescence in this ultra competitive saloon sector.

The concerts will take...

The concerts will take place at night in the open-air ExCeL arena in London"s Docklands. It will run alongside the riverside venue of the day-time motoring extravaganza, and gig-goers will get free passes to the motor show itself earlier in the day.

The current Ka"s successor...

The current Ka"s successor is set to appear in 2010, but the Italian firm"s version will go on sale next year. It will resurrect the famous 500 badge, and bosses hope the brand will enjoy the same success that BMW has experienced by bringing back the MINI name.

The D8 GT is based on...

The D8 GT is based on the back-to-basics D8 roadster, and uses Audi"s 1.8-litre turbo engine. But it"s faster, and boasts revised suspension settings, a more rigid chassis and uprated aerodynamics. A fully functional diffuser helps to create downforce at high speeds.

The Driving Standards...

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) gave L-tutors until the end of the year to pass its hazard perception test. But with only a few days left, it says 1,255 still haven"t done the exam.

The firm plans to beam...

The firm plans to beam individual broadcasts to home televisions. They will be hosted by brand specialists who answer queries on the spot. At trials witnessed by Auto Express, a buyer in a mock-up house in London chatted with a dealer in Farnborough, Hants - 40 miles away - via a TV.

The first five examples...

The first five examples of Rolls-Royce’s Drophead Coupé have been delivered to their lucky owners – and Auto Express has been for an exclusive ride in one of them. However, the car we tried wasn’t sold through one of the firm’s six franchised outlets!

The former unveiled...

The former unveiled the technology first - on its Q7 SUV - while the latter said that it would put a unit into the Cayenne in the future. Audi"s hybrid layout uses the firm"s 350bhp 4.2-litre V8 engine mated to an electric motor, which boosts torque by 200Nm to 640Nm in total.

The gadget is the brainchild...

The gadget is the brainchild of Barbara May and James Shippen, who recently drove from John O"Groats to southern Italy without getting out of their MPV to prove the Indipod"s worth! James, from Bromsgrove, Worcs, explained: "A fan fills a nylon cover with air to provide privacy. It works in most vehicles - you simply plug it into the cigarette lighter."

The impact research...

The impact research, conducted using the three-door model, even saw the newcomer awarded an impressive three stars for pedestrian protection. Also on the firm"s stand at the Frankfurt Motor Show was a new variant of the Panda 4x4. It features the 70bhp 1.3-litre Multijet diesel engine, which promises improved performance and economy. The model currently comes with a 1.2 petrol unit only, but the oil-burner could arrive early next year.

The Limited Edition...

The Limited Edition is positioned in the RX range between the entry-level RX 350 and the RX 350 SE, offering a number of extra equipment features. These have a combined value of more than чЈ3,500, but the Limited Edition has an on-the-road price only чЈ2,500 more than the RX 350.

The machine emits an...

The machine emits an infra-red beam which is reflected back to the device by everything except human skin - so any dark blobs which don"t reflect the beam are assumed by the camera to be people. A computer chip then analyses the image to work out how many blobs were "seen".

The original Gullwing...

The original Gullwing stunned the world when it debuted in New York in 1954. Yet only 1,400 were made, and production ended in 1957.

The performance car...

The performance car onslaught doesnтЂ™t stop with the RS5. We knew Audi was planning an RS version of the TT coupé, but these spy shots reveal a roadster is on its way, too.

The price is for the...

The price is for the entry-level 120bhp 1.6-litre Sport model when it arrives next month.

The project aims to...

The project aims to bring people together - mainly from outside the motor industry - and get them working on several projects over the year. Other Collective members are product designer Sam Buxton, DJ Ross Allen, 2003 BTCC champion James Thompson, skateboarder Pete King and artist Lucia Helenka.

The Proton Impian has...

The Proton Impian has been facelifted with a new grille, rear lights and a set of seven-spoke alloys.

The realistic moves...

The realistic moves were choreographed by Marty Kudelka, who has worked with the likes of US pop star Justin Timberlake. Kudelka had motion sensors placed all over his body to record every move he made. These were then reproduced by animation experts at Canada"s Spy Films to create the 3D images of the dancing C4.

There are currently...

There are currently 152 UK sites, but only 40 operate as stand-alone sellers. The rest are part of BMW agents, and often have only a few cars on show. More independent outlets are planned, with space for display areas dedicated to John Cooper Works accessories. The move is also designed to deal with the increased availability of used MINIs.

There"s even car accessory...

There"s even car accessory protection for items such as roof bars and bike racks. What"s more, if you take out a policy before 6 April, you"ll get a voucher worth чЈ50 to spend in store. As well as selling tools and consumables, the chain has also introduced its own breakdown recovery cover. It boasts a 35-minute recovery time, and there are four levels which can be bought, ranging in price from чЈ32.99 to чЈ89.99. A 10 per cent saving can be made if customers buy two lots of cover.

ThereтЂ™s obviously...

ThereтЂ™s obviously no such thing as putting on a brave face at GM. News that the firm faces financial crisis should have brought the tooth-whitened marketing execs out in their droves at the LA Show.

The revolutionary blower...

The revolutionary blower features a tiny automatic transmission that switches the supercharger between two gear ratios. This means that it runs extra fast at low engine speeds, to boost pressure and increase low-end torque, resulting in better performance. It then changes up at higher speeds to a more traditional supercharger performance.

These are the first...

These are the first official pictures of the re-born four-seater’s cabin, which has just had its official launch in China. Now built by Nanjing MG, the new model retains many of the parts familiar to drivers of the MG ZT.

These are the first...

These are the first official pictures of the firm"s new Avenger, which will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show.

The show is open now...

The show is open now, running until May 28th with all areas free to enter. Now in its 10th year, the show attracted a quarter of a million visitors last year.

The standard beige box...

The standard beige box usually found on a desk is replaced by a sleek чЈ1,000 scale model, with a variety of machines to choose from, including the BMW M5, Mercedes S-Class, Hummer H2, Dodge Viper and Corvette.

The system is a panel...

The system is a panel of coloured LED lights sewn into a jacket. The bulbs flash, display words or even arrows to show which way the rider is turning.

The two-seater"s first...

The two-seater"s first starring role was in the 1968 movie The Thomas Crown Affair, where - painted deep red - it was driven by McQueen. The car-mad actor loved the 155mph machine so much, he ordered one for himself. Now pale yellow, the 325bhp 3.3-litre classic was the headline seller at the Pebble Beach event in California.

The US firm will showcase...

The US firm will showcase these two exciting new cars at the Detroit Motor Show in January. The Chrysler Nassau is a four-door luxury coupé similar to Mercedes" striking CLS. Although the emphasis is on sporty driving dy­namics, the Nassau offers a real sense of luxury.

The waiting is finally...

The waiting is finally over... Mazda has pulled the wraps from its incredible Mazda 3 Saloon, with a promise that the new model is the most impressive family car yet from the Japanese car maker.

The world"s first off-road...

The world"s first off-road race car will be on the Toyota stand at next week"s Geneva Motor Show. It"s called the Motor Triathlon, because it"s designed to compete on three different landscapes - in the mud, on city streets and round a traditional track. It"s powered by four in-wheel electric motors, which are in turn driven by a fuel cell. The MT, which was designed in Europe, is aimed at "young drivers who enjoy video games, the Internet and mobile phones", according to the firm. It features in the new computer game Gran Turismo 4.

They come complete with...

They come complete with ‘pick-up’ aerials, and while you’re not going to set any lap records in the battery-powered fairground-style dodgems, you can enjoy battering your rivals. And as with the real thing, the joy doesn’t come from precision steering, but from simply trying to collide with your opponent.

They"re set to take...

They"re set to take the wraps off an Advanced Sports Car Concept at next week"s Detroit Motor Show - only a month after Honda"s premium brand disч­played an enormous saloon concept at the Los Angeles expo.

This gadget (pictured)...

This gadget (pictured) could help motorists avoid fines – by automatically paying tolls!

This is Dante - the...

This is Dante - the car"s launch mascot destined to appear in the Italian company"s marketing campaign.

This is the most powerful...

This is the most powerful Elise Lotus has ever built. Called the SC, it has a 217bhp 1.8-litre supercharged engine and can sprint from 0-60mph in 4.4 seconds. Top speed is 150mph.

Those that think Chinese...

Those that think Chinese car brands can only do dull small saloons or copycat designs need look no further than this stunning GT concept.

Two-thirds of people...

Two-thirds of people will have a road accident during their lifetime, according to new research. The study by Privilege Insurance found motorists were most likely to have a crash in their twenties. Nearly nine in 10 drivers admitted having at least one dangerous driving trait, including speeding, jumping lights and undertaking. The survey follows a Department for Transport report that showed the number of people killed on the roads fell by eight per cent in 2004 to 3,221 - the lowest level since records began in 1926.

Under the new Waste...

Under the new Waste Incineration Directive - to be implemented on 28th December 2005 - companies that incinerate waste oils such as, power stations and road stone coaters, must meet strict new environmental regulations. As a result, the price of disposal is expected to increase.

Using a special simulator...

Using a special simulator that shows ‘real life’ situations, it hopes to demonstrate to drivers the benefits of the Electronic Stability Program (ESP). A three-minute simulator ride explains how the technology works and the way in which it helps to avoid accidents.

Vandalism, car thefts...

Vandalism, car thefts and jackings mean cities can be dangerous places for motorists. But a new website that maps out LondonтЂ™s most crime-ridden areas now lets drivers check how safe their vehicle really is.

Visitors to the Bread...

Visitors to the Bread and Butter show in Berlin can view the collection of body panels. There are 20 in total, and each features a unique design.

Volvo’s Freelander...

Volvo’s Freelander rival is the star attraction on the Volvo stand at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.

We attached a hose to...

We attached a hose to the connector on the top of the brush and ran the water. The useful tool has a broom-style brush head and an extendable handle, so you can easily reach the far side of a car roof easy. The extension also makes scrubbing side panels simple. So not only does this product stop your hands freezing in cold water, it also takes the strain out of getting to awkward areas.

With a bright canopy...

With a bright canopy and matching tyres, it is the handiwork of Paris fashion house Maison de Courreges - famous for inventing the mini skirt in the Sixties and using electric vehicles in its shows. It claims the car"s success is down to its lithium polymer batteries, which are lighter, quicker to charge and less likely to overheat than standard cells.

With a more car-like...

With a more car-like profile than the current model, it will still seat five, not seven. However, buyers can expect a more flexible cabin. While the outgoing model only has a 60/40 split-folding rear bench, the newcomer is set to feature seats which drop flat into the floor, to put it on a par with class rivals.

With a wider rear track...

With a wider rear track, stiffer suspension and bigger brakes, the M Roadster will be a real enthusiast"s car when it goes on sale in two years" time. It"s set to be joined by a hard-top version, which will share the same engine and be targeted at Porsche"s recently revealed Cayman. But before then, a facelifted Z4 range will appear, featuring new front and rear bumpers, revamped light clusters and an iDrive-style cabin control system. The wraps are expected to come off the revised car at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.

Wrongly inflated tyres...

Wrongly inflated tyres contribute to accidents and increase fuel consumption yet one in three motorists only check their tyres before a long journey. Many essential forecourt airlines in motorway and other service stations all over the country are often damaged, inaccurate or out of order.

You"ll have to form...

You"ll have to form an orderly cue for this cult Volkswagen! It’s a full-size pool table which uses a Sixties camper as its base. The shortened and narrowed car has had all of its mechanicals removed, while lifting the engine cover reveals storage for the balls.

You wouldnтЂ™t think...

You wouldnтЂ™t think a Caterham with a 500bhp V8 would be too popular in the financial climate. But just a few months after this power-crazed two-seater came on to the market, itтЂ™s sold out.