Auto Exhibition
20 years ago
20 years ago
According to researchers...
According to researchers at driving school BSM, two-thirds of newly qualified motorists claimed they were more likely to travel faster after a session of on-screen driving. And nearly a quarter of the 1,000 16-24-year-olds said they imagined they were in a game when at the wheel.
Add a motorsport flavour...
Add a motorsport flavour to your coffee break with this unusual race tyre table. The Goodyear rear slick has a 6mm toughened glass tabletop - so it can be used for a leisurely lunch while you relax and watch the grand prix on the TV. But you"ll have to be quick to grab an authentic piece of F1 history, as stock is limited. Price: ÷£265 Contact: 0870 027 3434
A first-corner clash...
A first-corner clash in the sprint event damaged his car, so he could only finish sixth. In the feature race he came 12th after being tagged from behind by the German entry and later suffering a penalty for speeding in the pitlane. “Olly drove well, but these things happen,” said Team GBR boss Katie Clements. Swiss driver Neel Jani won both races and now leads the championship.
Aimed at compact and...
Aimed at compact and full-size family cars, there are 44 versions, ranging from 14 to 16-inch rims, 70 to 35 profile and 175mm to 235mm width. Fulda also claims the newcomer, which is available from all leading tyre centres, will save you money, as it has a lower rolling resistance than previously - a key factor in fuel consumption.
All models are well...
All models are well specced, with seven airbags, ESP with traction control, Hill Start Assist, a speed limiter, cruise control and automatic electric parking brake standard across the range. Recommended retail prices start at under ?15,000 and Citroen"s currently running a 0% finance scheme.
And they"re off! The...
And they"re off! The Nissan Micra C+C has started to roll off the production line at the Japanese company"s plant in Sunderland, with 20,000 expected to be built annually. It"s the first cabriolet to be made by Nissan in Europe and represents a í‚á£95million investment in the factory. A spokesman said: "The C+C is a very important car for us, as it will boost the brand across Europe." The Karmann roof is being assembled on site.
An outrageous pink Streetka...
An outrageous pink Streetka will be launched this year - but Ford says it"s only for a film. In the forthcoming Thunderbirds movie, it will be Lady Penelope"s second car. Her first is the Ford Thunderbird-based six-wheel FAB 1 limousine. "The Streetka is very bright pink," said a blue oval insider. But he denied it would reach production, explaining: "It would clash with everything!"
A panel of 46 international...
A panel of 46 international journalists awarded the BMW the prestigous all-rounder"s prize of World Car of The Year, reflecting its versatility as a top sports car and practical family motor.
As a result, it’s...
As a result, it’s the fastest-growing sector in the motor industry. Honda benefited most, with 604 registrations of its Civic IMA in May alone, making up more than half of the sales of the model for the year to date.
A special Mini event...
A special Mini event to celebrate the Life of Mini takes place on Sunday 2 October at the Heritage Motor Centre in Warwickshire. The Centre in Gaydon has the largest collection of British historic cars and has an enviable collection of classic Minis on public display, including the 1960"s Monte Carlo rally cars, prototypes and concept cars. Heritage Motor Centre enquiries: 01926 641188
As the 2006 series hits...
As the 2006 series hits the halfway point in Greece, the Impreza ace trails series leader Sebastien Loeb by a massive 46 points, having only achieved two podium finishes so far this year.
A system developed by...
A system developed by component maker Bosch, recently involved in a recall of the E-Class and SL, is now defunct - and there"s no one working on a new generation of it.
At a recent BCA sale...
At a recent BCA sale, a 2003 dual-fuel Vauxhall Vectra 1.8 LS (image) with 85,000 miles on the clock fetched ÷£4,000 - which is the guide price for a conventional car. The current duty on liquefied petroleum gas is a mere 4.5 pence per litre, compared with 47.1 pence per litre on petrol and diesel - a differential that the Government has pledged can be reduced by only 1p per year between now and 2009.
Based on the Rio saloon...
Based on the Rio saloon, the model aims to be the first truly affordable petrol/electric car.
Based on the Vauxhall...
Based on the Vauxhall VX220, the S Sport has a coupe body (all-new apart from the doors) with a lift-off roof panel, and is powered by a GM-sourced V6 that, fitted with new throttle bodies, develops a claimed 310bhp. Drive goes through a Getrag five-speed transaxle and the car is fitted with new, double-wishbone suspension. Prices for a new V-XS are expected to be in the region of í‚á£40-45K, though it will also be possible to convert your existing VX220.
Basic stopping areas...
Basic stopping areas with a toilet block and picnic tables are common on France"s autoroutes. Now, transport officials here believe they could help reduce the number of fatigue-related accidents on British M-ways by encouraging tired drivers to pull over rather than press on to the next services.
Bentley is promising...
Bentley is promising that it will reveal its fastest, most powerful production car ever at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
Bosses at Daimler÷Chrysler...
Bosses at Daimler÷Chrysler have said the firm might shift sales to the Internet in the US when the brand launches there next year.
Britain"s most scenic...
Britain"s most scenic road is... the B3306 St Just to St Ives in Cornwall. Other favourites are the A592 Ullswater road in Cumbria and the A817 Loch Lomond to Garelochhead in Scotland. The findings came from research by insurance company Direct Line. It also revealed that more than half of motorists use leisurely driving to relax, while nearly one
Britain"s top-selling...
Britain"s top-selling car magazine is going live at the Geneva Motor Show! For the first time, we"re covering the expo with video reports from the stands.
British scientists have...
British scientists have come up with a tough new plastic that can be used instead of metal and help make cars more environmentally friendly. The RECYCLE consortium of engineers and scientists, based in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, achieved the breakthrough after two years of research. Self-reinforced polypropylene is lightweight, six times stronger than normal plastic and 100 per cent recyclable.
Building and dismantling...
Building and dismantling remote control cars can be a difficult task. But that doesn’t have to be the case – especially if you have the latest hardware from tool giant Laser.
But the Luton company"s...
But the Luton company"s model won"t be the first to be based on the new platform. Chevrolet will steal a march on its fellow GM brand by launching its own variant at January"s Brussels Motor Show.
Buy an Alfa 147 or 156...
Buy an Alfa 147 or 156 before the end of March and you"ll get the peace of mind of a five-year warranty. The deal guarantees all major mechanical parts for the period, or 60,000 miles. A spokesman for the firm said: "This demonstrates our complete confidence in the quality, durability and longevity of Alfa Romeo cars." Included in the package is a five-year AA policy, which includes Roadside Assistance, Relay Plus, Home Start and European cover.
By clicking www.aveaword.com...
By clicking www.aveaword.com users are shown a video clip which features a Cockney villain. He taunts viewers with jibes about their ability to handle the car"s punchy new motor. Afterwards, users can send a bespoke version of the ad, complete with personalised insults, to a friend via email.
Called Scratch Guard...
Called Scratch Guard Coat, it returns the damaged surface to its original state in a week - and could be an option across the range.
Called the HCD-9 Talus...
Called the HCD-9 Talus, the car was created by Hyundai California Design and meets a similar brief to the Neos III seen at the Tokyo expo in October, which was penned by Korean stylists. Hyundai"s two design studios are in competition with each other, and bosses are expected to choose either the Neos III or the HCD-9 Talus as the basis for a future production car.
Car sales in 2006 were...
Car sales in 2006 were down 3.9 per cent on the previous year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)
÷£1.5 MILLION worth...
÷£1.5 MILLION worth of classic cars were sold at the H&H auction at Syon Park last week. All the top cars sold, including the 1929 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Coupe for a third of a million pounds, and a 1935 Mercedes 500K that went for its estimate of ÷£285,000.
Company executives claim...
Company executives claim very few identical examples have ever been produced.
Coys of Kensington in...
Coys of Kensington in London was blasted by the Advertising Standards Agency for an ad which read: "After a successful 2003..." The firm went into liquidation last year.
Customers are being...
Customers are being invited to go "3-And-Easy" thanks to a new maintenance package from American brand Chevrolet. For ÷£145, buyers can get three years" fixed price servicing when they order any model in the range. This is on top of the three-year warranty and AA recovery package included as standard with all new Chevys leaving showrooms. Contact your local franchised main dealer for more information.
Determined to become...
Determined to become an established car maker in the UK, Ssangyong is set to prove its environmental credentials in Geneva with a new diesel hybrid concept.
Diesel models are certainly...
Diesel models are certainly all the rage at the moment, but few are in as much demand as the Volvo V70 D5. Supply of the load-lugger is limited, and a rise in buyers has pushed second-hand prices up, according to experts at the VIP Trade Guide, which means it’s a wise
Drivers could soon be...
Drivers could soon be stepping back in time to the golden age of motoring when petrol station attendants topped up the fuel tank and cleaned your windscreen and headlights.
Each of the C1, C2 and...
Each of the C1, C2 and C3 models comes equipped with a latest-generation Apple iPod nano, capable of storing 1,000 MP3 files. There"s also an integrated docking station to play the digital music through the car"s speakers.
Emergency telephones...
Emergency telephones along a main trunk road could be removed due to high costs and a lack of use, a council has warned.
Ever fancied yourself...
Ever fancied yourself as a car trader? A new ITV1 programme shows you how. Car Hunt, starting on Sunday (4 July) at 3.30pm, pitches two teams of wannabe dealers against each other in the auction halls. Both groups are given a budget to buy a motor, and then get 48 hours to do it up before it"s sold at another auction. The team with the biggest profit is the winner. Auto Express contributor James Foxall lends a hand with some expert advice.
Fans of the animated...
Fans of the animated films featuring Wallace and Gromit could soon get their hands on the duo’s delivery van. The real-life version of their 1958 Austin A35, which is owned by creator Nick Park (pictured) and inspired the "Anti-Pesto’ model featured in The Curse of the Were-Rabbit movie, is on sale on eBay. All proceeds will be donated to a children’s charity.
FAST food wrappers...
FAST food wrappers, bread or pastries in cars can spark road rage, RAC Foundation claims. Smells make drivers irritable and prone to speeding.
Faulty cement could...
Faulty cement could have been used in as many as 11 Highways Agency road projects. Certain batches were found to have higher than stated alkali levels, which in extreme cases can cause structures to crack. However, there are no immediate safety concerns and all the sites identified are being closely monitored. Some bridges, plus parapet and gantry bases, have been built with the cement.
First examples of Mitsubishi"s...
First examples of Mitsubishi"s mini hit showrooms on 1 July, in one high-spec trim.
Fitted into the dash...
Fitted into the dash, it"s trained on the driver and senses when they are too hot or cold. It will automatically adjust the temperature accordingly.
Following on from the...
Following on from the official pictures of the new Toyota RAV4"s exterior, which we revealed last week, this is the first look inside the SUV. Quality has been improved over the outgoing model, with extensive use of soft-touch materials and plastics. Fresh design features include a striking silver centre console, which houses controls for the stereo, ventilation and optional sat-nav.
Ford"s Racing department...
Ford"s Racing department soon realised the Puma would make a great rally car, and a 4x4 competition model was the result. A roadgoing version of the stage star - the Tickford-built Racing Puma - arrived in 1999, too, and proved one of the best driver"s machines ever, even though it was far more expensive than the basic variant. Each one of 500 limited-edition 152bhp models commanded a price of ÷£22,800.
Garages which knowingly...
Garages which knowingly sell cloned cars risk breaching trading standards. Once police have told a dealer that a vehicle has been copied, it must make interested parties aware - even though the model is virtually unsaleable. To help fight an increasing cloning epidemic, Lancashire police are now advising traders to remove the reg plates from used stock. Criminals find these easy prey, as they can trace a duplicate make and model on the Internet.
Get a load of all this!...
Get a load of all this! It"s the world"s first Toyota Yaris "estate" car. MV Designz in Southern California took a five-door Yaris and turned the tailgate into an electrically operated split tailgate. It reversed the opening of the rear doors to suicide doors. Yet another one of this year"s SEMA Motor SHow"s environmentally friendly concepts, it runs on natural gas.÷ The wide body kit allows room for 11-inch wide 19-inch wheels in the rear.
Get a load of this -...
Get a load of this - the all-new Mitsubishi L200 pick-up. This is the double-cab Warrior version of the utility vehicle, which replaces the current model in March. The styling is inspired by the firm"s Pajero Evolution 4x4 rally-raid car, while it boasts a new 136bhp diesel engine. A power upgrade to boost output to 160bhp will also be available. Better on-road manners and a class-leading turning circle are on offer, too, with prices yet to be announced.
Here"s a good case for...
Here"s a good case for a tie-in between a luggage company and a car maker - the new collection of GT bags from Honda and suitcase specialist Tripp.
Here"s Fiatò€™s latest...
Here"s Fiatò€™s latest award-winning Panda! This image, used for a European TV campaign for the brand, won a gold medal at the Cannes Lions advertising festival last week.
Here"s what might happen...
Here"s what might happen when the Fiat and Chrysler design teams finally get round the same drawing board.
Here"s your chance to...
Here"s your chance to become a "film" star at Europe"s premier car window tinting event. If you"re a professional tinter and you fancy your chances of being named the 2005 European Champion, the event is being held at tinting company Bekaert UK"s service centre in Grimley near Worcester. First prize in the competition is a dream trip to the US. For application details, visit www.tintoff.com or telephone 01905 640400.
Honda has developed...
Honda has developed a new personal mobility device, called the U3-X, it
In the same week that...
In the same week that tax duty was axed on biodiesel, the Big Mac creator said it will change all 155 vehicles by 2008.
Is this the wildest-ever...
Is this the wildest-ever VW Touareg? Called the R50, it’s the latest addition to the firm’s high-performance range. It certainly looks the part, with massive alloys, wider wheelarches and lowered suspension. Performance will be strong thanks to a 4.9-litre V10 diesel engine tuned to give around 350bhp and 800Nm of torque. The aggressive newcomer will make its debut at the Australian Motor Show later this month in Sydney.
It features a bridge...
It features a bridge wing across its nose cone, similar to the device already seen on McLaren’s car.
It has developed a special...
It has developed a special scent designed to mimic the aroma of showroom-fresh models. A spokesman for the Vauxhall specialist told us: "Even though it"s purely psychological, many customers claim they prefer the smell you get when a vehicle is brand new." The scent, which we sampled exclusively this week, is applied with a spray or by using an in-car air freshener.
It is offering its dealers...
It is offering its dealers cash incentives to boost the sales of pre-owned vehicles, and that can only be good news for customers. By paying a bonus on each second-hand car a franchise sells, the company is hoping to increase the number of old models shifted via the network.
It looks like the result...
It looks like the result of a fling between an F1 car and a superbike, but the Sportcycle Solo is no mongrel - and the three-wheeler is road legal.
"It"s better at crumpling...
"It"s better at crumpling in an impact than conventional materials," said creator Ronald Thomp÷son. "And it doesn"t leave sharp edges when it cracks."
It"s facelift time for...
It"s facelift time for Chrysler"s retro PT Cruiser. The hot rod-inspired hatch gets restyled headlights, a chrome grille, circular foglamps and a tailgate spoiler, while the interior is new, too. A more powerful 150bhp version of the 2.2-litre diesel engine has also been introduced. Prices remain unchanged, and range from í‚á£12,995 for the 2.4-litre petrol up to í‚á£16,640 for the 2.2 oil-burner.
It"s often thought that...
It"s often thought that the term "station wagon" originated in the US to name the large, boxy cars used to ferry guests from railroad stations to hotels. They were usually home-made affairs, but in 1928, Ford was the first firm to offer a "station wagon" as part of its Model A line-up. However, similar passenger-carrying vehicles had been in use in the early 20th century on Australian farms, which were often called "sheep stations", hence the name station wagon.
It wasn"t only veterans...
It wasn"t only veterans of WWII who came together in remembrance of fallen D-Day colleagues - motoring military hardware was on display, too. Our amazing picture shows how more than 120 wartime Jeeps descended on Normandy, France, to mark the 60th anniversary. As with the veterans, the rare 4x4s travelled from all over Europe, including Britain, Holland, Germany and Poland, to attend.
January 2006 11 SEAT...
January 2006 11 SEAT Altea FR launched, 11- 12 European Motor Show, Brussels, 11 - 22 North American International Auto Show, Detroit, 14 - 15 Autosport International Show, Birmingham NEC, 23 - 24 International Classic Motor Show, Birmingham NEC, 17 Peugeot 407 Coupé driven in the UK; Volvo C70 launched, 23 Toyota RAV4 driven, 25 Mazda 6 MPS launched, 26 Volkswagen Polo Dune driven, 30 Nissan Note launched.
London Mayor Ken Livingstone...
London Mayor Ken Livingstone appealing to capital"s motorists to choose eco-friendly vehicles next time they buy. He has just taken delivery of hybrid Toyota Prius.
Lotus displayed a naked...
Lotus displayed a naked chassis on its Geneva stand, designed to show off the engineering department"s Variable Vehicle Architecture. But the most interesting aspect was the admission by staff that it will form the basis of three new cars. The first is a crossover SUV for China, while the second and third are the new V8-powered Esprit and a 2+2 GT Lotus supercoup탩.
Luxury finishes on mainstream...
Luxury finishes on mainstream cars are a step closer, as boffins have worked out how to add a touch of class to budget trim. They"ve discovered an easy way to stick a veneer of good-quality materials to standard cabin components, so that even basic models can feel like range-toppers. The scientists - of Battelle, a technology company in Ohio, US - say the technique is carried out as the parts come out of the moulding machines.
March 20061 New 06 registration...
March 20061 New 06 registration introduced; Toyota RAV4 on sale, 1 - 12 Geneva Motor Show, 5 Hyundai Santa Fe tested; Mercedes R-Class driven in UK, 7 Cadillac BLS and Audi R8 launched, 9 Suzuki SX4 driven, 13 Peugeot 207 launched, 15 Mercedes GL-Class tested, 21 Fiat Sedici on sale; Audi S6 quattro driven, 23 Zagreb Motor Show, Croatia, opens, 24 Bangkok Motor Show, Thailand, opens, 25 Jaguar XK on sale, 27 Alfa Romeo Brera on sale
Mazda"s CX-9 SUV, the...
Mazda"s CX-9 SUV, the seven-seat version of the CX-7, which will arrive here in September, is to be offered with a rear view mirror with a built-in LCD screen.
Meanwhile car insurer...
Meanwhile car insurer Norwich Union has teamed up with online auction house eBay to provide free cover for vehicles bought on the site. After a collection date is set, winning bidders contact Norwich Union for a seven-day covernote. "People travel up and down the country for the right car. Now, they can drive it knowing they are covered," said eBay"s Clare Gilmartin.
Mercedes has announced...
Mercedes has announced prices for its new B-Class. The í‚á£16,995 base B150 kicks off the line-up, and comes with air-con, a CD player and foglamps as standard. SE trim adds 16-inch alloy wheels, colour-coded mirrors plus a chrome exhaust for an extra í‚á£950. Diesel prices start from í‚á£18,995 for the entry-level B180 CDI, and rise to í‚á£21,575 for the B200 CDI SE. The top-of-the-range B200 Turbo offers 193bhp, and costs í‚á£22,795.
Millions of Britain"s...
Millions of Britain"s motorists are wasting a massive í‚á£157 every year on car insurance by not looking around for the best deal. An amazing five million drivers in the UK do not bother to get a second quote when their policy comes up for renewal, according to research conducted by Sainsbury"s Car Insurance. Apathy was the most common reason cited by survey respondents for not shopping around for a better deal.
More than 40 per cent...
More than 40 per cent of "Bad Samaritans" say it"s safer for recovery firms to deal with a breakdown, and 15 per cent claim they"d be unable to assist if they did pull over. One in three women feels too vulnerable to stop.
More than 60,000 motorists...
More than 60,000 motorists were told where they could find all the fixed and mobile speed camera sites in the Midlands at this year"s British Motor Show. The Midlands Safety Camera Partnership handed out a free interactive CD-ROM showing where the speed traps are sited. The aim is to improve safety throughout the region, and it"s the first time the eight camera partnerships involved have disclosed the locations of all their sites. To get a copy, call 01604 635157.
Nissan"s Tino might...
Nissan"s Tino might be one of the oldest mini-MPVs available, but demand has shot up so much that the firm has increased production. "It even surprised us. Some Tinos now have a three-month waiting list," said a spokesman. The surge has been caused by rivals growing in size, leaving a niche for the Nissan among buyers seeking something smaller. Sales to April this year are almost double the same period in 2003.
Not satisfied with the...
Not satisfied with the classy look of the Bentley? ASI (Accuracy, Spirit, Imagination), a Japanese tuning company in Tokyo, unveiled its 0,000 version of the Continental GT at SEMA. It features an 800 hp engine, wide body kit, 22-inch wheels and numerous aerodynamic enhancements. Luckily there will be only 29 lucky customers who can purchase one of these limited edition masterpieces that feature hand painted artwork by Nakamura Tetsuei.
Now is a good time for...
Now is a good time for anyone wanting to start building their own Jaguars. Not content with selling cars and its Browns Lane site, the firm is also offering up four giant presses, each of which can squeeze sheet metal with a huge 400 tonnes of pressure. The machines are nearly 30 years old, and were first put to use bending panels during the era of XJ6 and XJ12 Series II production.
On the road, the BladeRunner...
On the road, the BladeRunner behaves like a normal truck but has a much tighter turning circle, as the wheels are fitted to "turnable" bogies at either end. It can carry goods, passengers or even act as a high-speed car transporter.
PC Mark Milton, an expert...
PC Mark Milton, an expert in advanced driving, had been assessing the capabilities of the vehicle. The district judge who acquitted PC Milton described him as the "creme de la creme" of police drivers.
Performance and good...
Performance and good looks donò€™t always go hand-in-hand! This Swiss-built carbon-fibre supercar is the Weber Faster One ò€“ and only the Bugatti Veyron can eclipse its 249mph top speed. It uses a 7.0-litre twin-supercharged engine, producing 900bhp and 1,050Nm of torque. This is channelled to all four wheels, and propels the new model from 0-60mph in 2.5 seconds. But the 1,100kg race car for the road isnò€™t cheap ò€“ prices start at Ò£915,000!
Peugeot used the Geneva...
Peugeot used the Geneva Motor Show to reveal a saloon version of the 307. Built at PSA"s DongFeng plant in Shanghai, China, it goes on sale in Asian markets in April. The company says the car, known as the 307 Sedan, will be available in Europe, but a decision hasn"t yet been made about bringing it to the UK. Insiders tell us there are concerns the styling won"t appeal to British tastes.
PHOTO-quality pictures...
PHOTO-quality pictures are laid on top of standard sat-nav maps so drivers can compare the view through the windscreen with the display at a glance. A spokesman for developer Teleatlas said: "We will add them to maps of Berlin, Barcelona and Athens soon, and London before Christmas."
Police want them to...
Police want them to help by monitoring the two or three streets they use every day in a bid to put the authorities a step ahead of the villains.
Prestige car maker Audi...
Prestige car maker Audi has revealed an eco-friendly version of its all-new A4 saloon, called the 2.0 TDI e Concept. It has a special aerodynamic bodykit, a hi-tech exhaust system, which removes harmful nitrous-oxide gasses, longer gear ratios, stop-start technology, regenerative braking and a heat exchanger in the air-conditioning. All this means that the A4 delivers 57.6mpg and CO2 emissions of only 129g/km.
Priced from ÷£23,995...
Priced from ÷£23,995, the model blends the company"s 2.2-litre HDi 170 diesel engine with a number of exterior additions. These include front bumper spoilers, a tailgate spoiler, sports mesh front grille, twin sports exhaust pipes and 18-inch alloy wheels. Top speed is 137mph, 0-62mph is nine seconds and the extra urban fuel cycle returns 55.3mpg.
Proving matt could be...
Proving matt could be the new metallic, the fashionably dull finish was displayed on the Vaillante concept at Geneva. Bosses say it"s one feature of the style exercise which could make the options list.
Renault celebrated 100...
Renault celebrated 100 years of grand prix racing with a stunning display of its motorsport heritage at last weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. To mark its centenary, the French firm took pole position on the Goodwood House lawn and assembled a mouth-watering array of its most successful racers. The line-up ranged from a replica of the veteran Renault AK in which Ferenc Szisz won the very first GP in 1906 to the current championship-leading R26.
Research by RAC Auto...
Research by RAC Auto Windscreens found that, with one in 10 vehicles containing ÷£1,000 of portable kit, there has been a 23 per cent increase in opportunist break-ins. Worse still, insurers won"t cover the items unless they are secured in a locked boot before being stolen.
Sad Renault ace Giancarlo...
Sad Renault ace Giancarlo Fisichella dedicated his third place finish to his best friend Tonino, who died after a short illness last Thursday. “Psychologically it wasn’t an easy race for me. I am really sad because the race was important, but not as important as life,” he said. The Italian also lost his third place in the drivers’ championship to Ferrari’s Felipe Massa, who finished second in Japan.
Safety-conscious manufacturer...
Safety-conscious manufacturer Volvo is seeking permission to let drunken motorists use its cars. The firm wants to try out its latest innovation, which measures reaction time, but Sweden"s strict drink- drive laws are getting in the way. Having a tipple before hitting the road is prohibited in the Scandinavian country, even if driving at a proving ground.
Scientists have discovered...
Scientists have discovered that worn-out, old tyres can be shredded into tiny crumbs and put into filters - to clean dirty water.
Scrapping old tyres...
Scrapping old tyres might not be such a bad idea after all. A joint venture between Michelin and Lafarge Cement has led to the creation of RTG50, a synthetic material made from crushed tyres.
Small cars with big...
Small cars with big safety - that"s MINI"s Cooper and the Peugeot 207 CC, which each achieved five stars for occupant protection in the Euro NCAP crash tests.
Star of SEMA last week...
Star of SEMA last week, the stunner is designed to show off Genaddi"s expertise with a roof that consists of four individual panels. They allow the GTX1 to be turned into a coup탩, full convertible or even T-Top.
Ten limited-edition...
Ten limited-edition 3-Series models are to be auctioned by BMW to mark the 10th anniversary of South Africa"s first democratic elections. Called the Democracy Cars, they"ve been signed by ex-president Nelson Mandela, with a plaque to authenticate it. All proceeds will go to his Children"s Fund, which helps underprivileged kids across the country. The cars have been built by BMW South Africa, with many suppliers donating components for free.
Tesco is introducing...
Tesco is introducing its new 99 RON super unleaded petrol in November across 100 forecourts in the south-east of England. The grade is said to be more environmentally friendly and better for a car"s engine than any other fuel on offer. In general, unleaded fuel comes in either 95 or 97 RON guise. A spokes- man said: "Customers with high-performance or new cars noted performance improvements in trials." Pricing is not yet confirmed.
Test driver Loris Bicocchi...
Test driver Loris Bicocchi, who was behind the wheel for the high-speed run, said: "This test was very important for the customers and owners of Koenigsegg cars. It proves their belief and faith in the small company is well founded."
The Andretti Green drivers...
The Andretti Green drivers duelled fiercely, but it was the Scot (image) who triumphed for his second win of 2007. Franchitti said: “It was one restart after another and at one point we were four-wide going across the start-finish line.” He now holds a healthy series lead over another team-mate, Tony Kanaan. Brit Darren Manning had his best finish of the year for the Foyt Racing squad in fifth.
The car uses the same...
The car uses the same 256bhp 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine found in the larger 6 MPS, and will also feature that model"s sporty six-speed manual gearbox. As well as a Subaru Impreza-style bonnet scoop, the 3 MPS will get a beefy bodykit to set it apart from lesser models.
The compact MPV is a...
The compact MPV is a Chrysler PT Cruiser rival, and was unveiled at the LA Motor Show earlier this month. The GM man added: "It looks different, and I think it would go down well."
The Corsa will be a...
The Corsa will be a handsome hatch, too, with distinctive tail-lights, a chunky stance and cheeky nose. Under the bonnet, powerplants will include 1.0,1.2 and 1.4-litre petrol units - plus a 1.3 CDTI and all-new 123bhp 1.7-litre diesel. Inside, the high-quality cabin will feature climate control, plus MP3 and Bluetooth compatibility, while options will include adaptive headlights.
The Coupé is...
The Coupé is a few years away yet, but Jaguar is readying a snarling XFR super saloon to tackle the likes of the BMW M5 next year.
The deal with a recycling...
The deal with a recycling firm means the last owner of all Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo, Aston Martin and Mazda models can dispose of their vehicles in an environmentally friendly way for free from January 2007. New rules across Europe mean that all car makers have to develop a similar system.
The ex-Williams and...
The ex-Williams and Jaguar F1 driver will race for the team owned by Renault star Giancarlo Fisichella. “This is a chance to remind everyone that I am always competitive,” said the Brazilian. “I want to return to F1 as soon as I can, which is why I have accepted this challenge.”
The Festival of Speed...
The Festival of Speed will take place over the weekend of 22-24 June, and the Revival between 31 Aug and 2 Sept.
The final piece of Britain"s...
The final piece of Britain"s last single-track trunk road is to be made into a two-lane highway at a cost of í‚á£16million. The four-mile section of the main route from Fort William to Mallaig in the Scottish Highlands is a narrow, winding highway used by a variety of traffic including tourist buses. It even has passing places where the road gets especially narrow.
The firm is the first...
The firm is the first to advertise on the lower part of a UK team"s strip - as modelled by midfielder Matt Sparrow (image). But it"s emerged the company had originally wanted the slogan "Jeep Kicks Ass!" on the shorts.
The Frenchman won four...
The Frenchman won four of the first eight rounds in his Citroen, but crashes in Norway and Italy left him nine points behind the Ford driver ahead of this weekend’s Rally Finland.
The glamour of an American...
The glamour of an American motor show wouldn"t be complete without a new muscle car - and Ford delivered the goods with its Mustang Convertible. Based on the same platform as its coup탩 sibling, the drop-top has a fabric hood and is powered by a 210bhp 4.0-litre V6 or a 300bhp 4.6 V8. The new model goes on sale in the US in the spring, with specialist importers likely to be taking orders in the UK soon.
The Holy Grail of hydrogen...
The Holy Grail of hydrogen as a power source for cars has been revealed. Researchers at the Technical University of Denmark in Lyngby have unveiled an invention which is able to store hydrogen - a lighter-than-air, inflammable gas - in tablet form. It has taken them a year and a half to get to this stage, and if successfully developed could provide vehicle
The idea forms part...
The idea forms part of a nationwide tour organised by the Japanese firm, which will visit city centres, including Birmingham, Cardiff, Leeds, Newcastle and Glasgow, until February next year.
The innovative approach...
The innovative approach to entertainment promises an early sell-out, as tickets for the evening event are strictly limited. We have two double passes to give away to your choice of the following shows: Wednesday 19th July - A-HA; Thursday 20th July - Van Morrison; Saturday 22nd July - Roxy Music
The Italian firm has...
The Italian firm has engineered an ÷£895 limited-edition coffee maker with its famous raging bull emblem embossed on the front.
The Korean brand is...
The Korean brand is already set to build the car - based on the Cee"d concept - in three bodystyles, and indications are that a performance version is also on the cards.
The Kustomizer, on cable...
The Kustomizer, on cable TV channel Discovery, will follow the everyday life of "Big Daddy" Vini Bergeman, the owner of LA company Ultra Limousine.
The lid has been lifted...
The lid has been lifted on of the most rapid Ferrari ever. This grainy image of the 430 Scuderia Spider ò€“ a drop-top version of the stripped out coupé - was spied hanging on a company execò€™s office wall during a recent interview. Boasting the same 510bhp 4.3-litre V8 engine, the open-top model will offer near-identical performance but with an even better soundtrack. Expect a Ò£200,000 price tag when it goes on sale next year.
The list of options...
The list of options on the Maybach 57 is long, but it has never included a folding canvas roof - until now. US coachbuilder Genaddi Design Group is offering a hand-crafted roof conversion. At í‚á£86,000, it"s far from cheap - especially as the car itself costs í‚á£243,000. The Wisconsin company also builds stretched Rolls-Royce Phantoms. Click on www.vgdauto.com for info.
The more expensive your...
The more expensive your car, the less likely you are to be let out by other motorists at a junction. BMW drivers suffer the most, followed by those in Jaguars, Mercedes and Land Rovers, according to a survey by Internet service provider AOL. It also found UK road users don"t only judge people by the vehicle they"re in. If someone is good looking, they are much more likely to be given space to pull out at a busy junction.
The Nemesis is limited...
The Nemesis is limited to 350 examples, and a day"s driving tuition at engineering specialist Prodrive is included in the price! Available in Copper Red or Stormy Blue, it has leather upholstery, aluminium exterior trim, and costs ÷£22,995.
The new GT-R has been...
The new GT-R has been a long time coming, but Nissan is stopping grey importers bringing it to the UK. The supercar went on sale in Japan in December for ÷£36,000, and isn’t due here officially until March 2009, priced around ÷£55,000.
The RAC is currently...
The RAC is currently testing a new low-roofed Mercedes Vito Compact, which has been modified with a special light bar that swings down behind the van. What"s more, the tailgate itself only opens to the horizontal.
The second-generation...
The second-generation Super Aguri SA06 has turned a wheel for the first time at Silverstone. Although it’s still based on an ageing Arrows chassis, the new Honda-powered machine (right) features many technical updates, as well as a revised red livery.
The Tigra will differ...
The Tigra will differ visually from standard models, thanks to the addition of Vauxhall"s stylish "tuning fork" alloys, deep side skirts and a large front airdam. Under the bonnet will be a new 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, which is also earmarked for a hot version of the Corsa, developing in excess of 160bhp and delivering a 0-60mph time of less than six seconds. Joining the range in 2005, the Tigra VXR will cost around í‚á£17,000.
The two-seater convertible...
The two-seater convertible will be seen whizzing around the capital"s streets, with a young woman driving and a man on the passenger side. At the end of the clip, he climbs from the car and the line "Vauxhall Tigra. Two seats. Use them wisely" appears on screen. The advert - to accompany new cinema and video releases from November - will target young female buyers.
The ultimate accessory...
The ultimate accessory for the petrolhead! Designed by race seat maker Corbeau, it combines all the features of its competition car bucket chairs with an office-friendly swivel base on wheels. Complete with an all-in-one headrest, it"s designed to hug your body, ease back pain and help you adopt good posture while poring over paperwork.
The whole system has...
The whole system has been designed to fit in the back of a small van, and went on display at the Traffex trade show in Birmingham. The battery-operated LED lights are fixed to a telescopic pole on a base the size of a small lawnmower, which can be wheeled around.
They"ve borrowed the...
They"ve borrowed the 1.5-litre engine from the Japanese-market Yaris Turbo.
This is the new Focus...
This is the new Focus ECOnetic – a special low-emission, super-frugal model. The suspension has been lowered to improve aerodynamics, while a drag- reducing bodykit with modified bumpers, side skirts and rear spoiler have been fitted. Add low rolling-resistance tyres, a remapped ECU and low-friction engine oil for the 109bhp 1.6-litre TDCi, and it returns 66mpg, with CO2 emissions of only 115g/km.
This Tigra is playing...
This Tigra is playing a sleight of hand as it has a bright red canvas stretched over its retractable metal roof, which is intended to conjure up memories of the vinyl roofs of the Seventies. Starring at this week’s Geneva Motor Show, the Illusion also has leather trim, heated seats and colour co-ordinated seatbelts as standard. Currently the car is an Opel-only model, but it may be sold in the UK badged as a Vauxhall.
This year marks the...
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Audi"s quattro system, and the RS4 gets the latest generation of the four-wheel-drive layout. Previous RS models have also used all-wheel drive for maximum traction, including the twin-turbo RS6 and RS4. The first car to wear the RS badge was the RS2 Avant of 1993, which had a Porsche- modified five-cylinder engine with 315bhp. At the time it was the world"s fastest car, racing from 0-30mph in 1.5 seconds.
To celebrate its 100th...
To celebrate its 100th birthday, Skoda has released a special Superb with a high level of kit as standard. The Edition 100 is based on either the 1.9-litre TDI PD or 2.5-litre V6 TDI Elegance models, and gains 17-inch alloys, privacy glass, a rear sunblind, twin exhausts and unique badging. Only 500 are to be made, with 200 heading for the UK. Prices start from í‚á£20,900.
To celebrate, the blue...
To celebrate, the blue oval has presented the mechanics, including Alan Spencer and Bob Brown, with plaques. The Leicester pair worked for the Sandicliffe dealer group in 1965, when the Transit arrived. A spokeswoman said: "We decided it would be nice to do something for those who have given 40 or more years" service on Transit. We identified 28 staff, and the plaques were all signed by boss Bill Ford."
Toyota has announced...
Toyota has announced prices for its Aygo city car - and they start at í‚á£6,745 for the 1.0-litre three-door. The Plus range costs from í‚á£7,245, while the flagship Sport model is í‚á£7,745 for the three-door and í‚á£7,995 for the five-door. Metallic paint costs í‚á£325 and air-con is í‚á£500 on the two higher trim levels. An MMT clutchless manual gearbox is í‚á£500 extra on any car.
Toyota has re-signed...
Toyota has re-signed Jarno Trulli for the next three years. The Italian rewarded his team by scoring his best finish of the season, coming home fourth. His drive was all the more remarkable as he managed it after starting from the pitlane. The team had to change the 31-year-old’s rear suspension after it collapsed during qualifying. Trulli said: “Considering everything that’s gone wrong for me this year, it’s great to have a day when everything goes right.”
Unveiled in three-door...
Unveiled in three-door form for the first time at the SEMA show last week, the new Accent (pictured) is based on the Kia Rio platform. But with sharper lines, sporty alloys and bulging wheelarches, it"s more distinctive. Under the bonnet, the Accent will come with a 1.6-litre petrol engine, while a 1.4 petrol and a 1.5 diesel should arrive later in 2006. An official European debut is scheduled for January"s Brussels Motor Show.
USA: An Alabama doctor...
USA: An Alabama doctor has a novel way of cutting down surgery queues. Patients now simply drive up, get their jabs and drive away again.
USA: A teenager injured...
USA: A teenager injured in a road crash has won ÷£30million in com÷pensation. The city of New York will pay 80 per cent; the driver involved is giving the rest.
USA: While being chased...
USA: While being chased by police, a car thief dumped his vehicle and dashed on to a nudist beach in San Diego, California. He stripped naked and managed to escape.
US firm Asanti believes...
US firm Asanti believes so - for ÷£1million, it will custom build four rims encrusted with 26,000 diamonds and 1,200 rubies.
Visually, the newcomer...
Visually, the newcomer isn"t much different to the standard model, although it gets a revamped front grille and rear bumper. Under the skin, the S boasts uprated suspension and a modified edition of the 6.0-litre V12 bi-turbo engine, which now develops 612bhp and 1,000Nm of torque. The model made its debut at this week"s Geneva Motor Show, and will cost more than í‚á£250,000.
Volkswagen announced...
Volkswagen announced a technological tie-up with DaimlerChrysler at last year"s LA Motor Show to develop BlueTec oil-burning powerplants, and now the German brand has confirmed that it will put all that green know-how into production next year.
Want an MPV that delivers...
Want an MPV that delivers a first-class driving experience? Citroen’s new C4 Picasso Lounge could be the answer.
We"re still waiting...
We"re still waiting for the first British victory in the A1 Grand Prix of Nations. But Robbie Kerr (image) posted fifth and second place finishes in Malaysia to move Team GB up to second position in this year’s World Cup of Motorsport. Neel Jani won the opening sprint race for Switzerland at Sepang, while young German Nico Hulkenberg dominated the feature race. The 19-year-old’s masterclass in appalling conditions has given Germany a six-point lead over Team GB.
We were surprised to...
We were surprised to see that Nissan had judged the look of the GT-R so secret, it created a virtual camouflage for its debut in the video game, Gran Turismo 5.
What"s the most exciting...
What"s the most exciting new car the average 21-year-old can afford? It may be more thrilling than you think... Unveiled at the Motor Show, this is Caterham"s Seven Sprint. Aimed at young drivers, it covers 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds. After a compulsory day"s driver training, buyers aged 21 and over can get a 1.4 for í‚á£299 per month, with a year"s insurance free. There"s a í‚á£2,750 deposit and a final payment after three years of í‚á£9,975.
When it comes to using...
When it comes to using too much jargon, car dealers are far from being the worst sales staff. While 26 per cent of mobile phone shoppers and 18 per cent of double glazing buyers are left feeling confused, only eight per cent of second-hand car buyers walk away from the forecourt overwhelmed by data! That’s according to a survey by Vauxhall’s Network Q scheme.
While luxury division...
While luxury division Lexus is concentrating on refinement, Toyota is going all out to improve its reputation for building high-performance cars - helped by this Lexus-badged LF-A concept. According to latest rumours, the V10-engined sports model, first seen at January"s Detroit Motor Show, could make its debut as a production car at the Tokyo show - controversially badged as a Toyota.
While the Volvo"s nose...
While the Volvo"s nose is carried over directly from the saloon, the complex coup탩-cabriolet mechanism has forced engineers to make some styling changes at the rear. The cabin will offer more space for back seat passengers than many rivals. The new model will be unveiled for the first time at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, but won"t go on sale in the UK until February next year.
Who said van drivers...
Who said van drivers can’t be stylish? A new range of sporty accessories is now available for the Peugeot 207 micro-van (right) – a version of the supermini without rear seats or windows. The kit includes RC decals for ÷£181, foglamps at ÷£93 and a set of 17-inch alloys costing ÷£579. Buyers can also specify a sports exhaust (÷£112) and a full bodykit (÷£990), which will add extra power and downforce to sharpen the Peugeot’s performance.
With 59 vehicles recovered...
With 59 vehicles recovered, experts reckon the job is only half done and say another 60 are on the bottom, plus a large caravan. Local authority bosses are blaming youths, who see how far a stolen vehicle can be propelled from the bank before it drops into the water.
With bays getting smaller...
With bays getting smaller and cars wider, we could all do with a little help parking. Winplus says its Wireless Vehicle Back-Up is the best tool for reversing manoeuvres. It’s made up of a tiny bumper or reg plate-mounted camera and a seven-inch display to give a great view behind your car. There are also two USB inputs, so it will power your mobile phone or iPod at the same time.
With restyled tail-lights...
With restyled tail-lights, new wheels and a revised front bumper, it"s a rather subtle update. That theme continues inside, where Mercedes has added more aluminium trim and softer leather upholstery.
With the hayfever season...
With the hayfever season in full swing, motorists could be putting themselves and others at risk by travelling under the influence of allergy medication, new research shows.
Your car will be whisked...
Your car will be whisked away for a service and, on returning to the UK, the rep will be standing at Arrivals with your keys and the paperwork - although they probably won"t turn it into a paper aeroplane! Audi bosses revealed that the scheme, which is set to go live at the end of next month, is about giving that little extra when it comes to customer service.