Autonovelties

According to Alex Ionides...

According to Alex Ionides, consultant ophthalmic surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, this is a very common problem. “It can be a natural phenomenon – anybody looking into strong bright lights will be dazzled – but this can be made much worse by simple problems such as astigmatism,” he explained.

According to research...

According to research from easyMoney.com nearly half of the youngsters buy their own car, with only a quarter relying on a helping hand from their parents.

A company spokesman...

A company spokesman said: "It"s something that could happen. If there is enough interest in one, we will probably do it."

Active Driving Assist...

Active Driving Assist (ADA) uses two forward-facing cameras and radar to detect hazards in the road ahead. It can even apply the brakes in an emergency situation. The set-up is only a concept at present, but the technology looks set to join the line-up on future models.

After a season of thrills...

After a season of thrills, spills and the occasional near-punch-up between warring drivers, the premier race series in the UK will roar into Donington Park for the final three rounds on Sunday 26 September.

Also stolen was an M12...

Also stolen was an M12 GTO, identical to the one below, which was a customer car. In total, the three were worth н‚бЈ150,000. Having entered the premises and taken the two-seaters, the thieves drove off in convoy. However, one lost control of the M400 he was driving within a mile, and put it into a ditch. Police recovered it, but the other two cars are still missing.

And it’s not only...

And it’s not only the painful and debilitating symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness and neck stiffness, that drivers should be worried about. Expensive treatments cost the insurance industry more than чЈ1billion a year.

And Prof Brian Frier...

And Prof Brian Frier from the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh says the true number could be even higher. His warning comes as the DVLA is considering relaxing diabetics" licence restrictions.

A new British open-top...

A new British open-top sports car claims to have PorscheтЂ™s 911 firmly in its sights.

A new system called...

A new system called Tracker Response uses GPS technology and a driver validation set-up. If the car is started by someone without the special electronic tag, a text message or E-mail is sent to the owner. They can call a control centre to say whether the motor should be moving or not - and even monitor the vehicle"s movements remotely via any PC! Anxious parents will also be able to keep an eye on how fast grown-up children are driving when they borrow the car, as the unit has a speed limit alert function.

Another star of last...

Another star of last week"s LA Motor Show will set Honda fans" pulses racing! The firm unveiled this Civic-sized, coupé-shaped concept - and it points the way to the return of the legendary CRX.

A parking space in London...

A parking space in London for ТЈ2.40 a day sounds like a dream тЂ“ but a budget, airline-style scheme has made it a reality!

A spokesman for the...

A spokesman for the breakdown organisation said if all tax was put on fuel, it would shake up the current system and make today"s cheats pay up by charging them according to how much they drove. "A simplified tax system, which charges in a far more visible way, also needs to be implemented if we are to attempt to change the way people"s journeys are made," he added.

As sat-navs eat into...

As sat-navs eat into the sales of traditional maps, top publisher PhilipтЂ™s has come up with a neat innovation on its 2009 editions. MapEasy sees each atlas bundled with transparent write-on, wipe-off sheets to help drivers plan their route.

At least, that"s the...

At least, that"s the view of specialist insurance provider Swinton, which has seen an 18 per cent rise in quotes for imported Japanese and US cars over the last 12 months.

A UK spokesman told...

A UK spokesman told Auto Express that the impact of the incident on worldwide supply of the RX-8 is still being assessed. "It"s too early to tell whether this will affect our operations, but the factory was due to close down over Christmas anyway," he said.

Barrie Segal is founder...

Barrie Segal is founder of AppealNow.com, a website that allows motorists to appeal incorrect parking tickets. He has studied tickets from the 5 local authorities in Scotland, and found they all contain technical errors which do not comply with the 1991 Road Traffic Act, and so are legally unenforcable.

Both will be aiming...

Both will be aiming to clinch the driversтЂ™ crown when they take to the track at this weekendтЂ™s season finale at Brands Hatch, Kent.

Britain is broken, according...

Britain is broken, according to Conservative leader David Cameron. And he plans to fix it... with the help of a Haynes manual! It may seem bizarre, but the latest Tory manifesto has been printed in the format of the famous DIY car repair guides.

Brit James Thompson...

Brit James Thompson scored a memorable debut win for Honda in the World Touring Car Championship at Imola, Italy. The ex-BTCC champ scorched from fifth on the grid to finish ahead of the BMW of Jorg Muller and ChevroletтЂ™s Rob Huff in the dayтЂ™s second outing. This was the highlight of a good weekend for the Japanese squad, after Thompson took third place in the opening race, behind the SEATs of Rickard Rydell and eventual winner Yvan Muller, who now has a 12-point lead in the standings.

But the restyled front...

But the restyled front end isn"t the only change that"s been made to the car. For the first time ever, the model will be available in quattro S line trim. There are also new colours and alloy wheels on offer - which feature inserts the same shape as the grille

Called Transition, it...

Called Transition, it has 27ft wings that fold away on land so the car takes up the same road space as a large MPV. "It will be capable of driving at normal road speeds, flying as fast as a light aircraft, and parking in a standard garage," said a spokeswoman for US-based designer Terrafugia.

Click on the links below...

Click on the links below to read the latest news and see all the pictures from this year"s Barcelona Motor Show.

Could Chevrolet"s new...

Could Chevrolet"s new Orlando be the destination for families? The US brand certainly hopes so. We"ve got the first spy shots of the seven-seater MPV тЂ“ and as you can see it"s virtually unchanged from the striking 2008 Paris Motor Show concept.

Councillors are using...

Councillors are using Section 147A of the Highways Act, which states it is an offence to sell anything from a stall, container or vehicle that causes danger on the road or interrupts road users.

Dodge"s ambitious EV...

Dodge"s ambitious EV made its public Motor Show debut in Los Angeles. With its 150 to 200 mile range and sub 5.0ч  second 0-60mph sprint, the firm is hoping that this will be the model that proves the company is not just serious about electric vehicles, but has the capability to produce them as well.

Even before the A7 debuts...

Even before the A7 debuts, Audi is set to go one better тЂ“ with the new A8.

Ever wondered what happened...

Ever wondered what happened to former F1 champion Alain Prost? Looks as if he"s used his time since bowing out of grand prix racing in 1991 to turn his skills to designing sunglasses.

Exclusive spy shots...

Exclusive spy shots in this week"s mag reveal the new hatchback"s more radical rear end. The high tailgate and narrow light clusters on the edge of the boot give it a chunky look and an enormous luggage area. There will also be more room for passengers in the back compared to the outgoing Laguna.

Feel that you’ve...

Feel that you’ve been unfairly charged with a motoring offence? Then you need the Fight a Motoring Ticket kit from Lawpack.

Following the Punto-based...

Following the Punto-based X1/99 concept seen at March"s Geneva Motor Show, the new two-door signals Fiat"s intent to corner the sports car market again. Along with its eye-catching body, the coupнѓ© - dubbed the Sportiva Latina - is a launch pad for some advanced electronic systems.

For 2005, bosses have...

For 2005, bosses have upped the ante on the standard car and are also offering the new Mulliner Driving Specification. MDS buyers get huge 20-inch, seven-spoke alloys with stickier tyres, giving a more athletic look and improved handling.

Forget the Germans and...

Forget the Germans and Japanese: itтЂ™s Korean models that are in demand! Last year, Hyundai/Kia shifted 3,961,629 cars to become the worldтЂ™s fifth best seller.

Formula One is gearing...

Formula One is gearing up for 2009, with many teams showcasing new-look aerodynamic packages at this weekтЂ™s test in Barcelona, Spain. As our picture shows, Williams was one of the first to provide the world with a preview of what lies ahead.

Fresh from its stunning...

Fresh from its stunning debut at the recent Frankfurt Motor Show, AudiтЂ™s e-tron concept has made the switch into virtual reality.

Here"s a car that will...

Here"s a car that will really let you stretch your legs! BMW has unveiled the latest addition to its new 7-Series range, the 730Ld.

Here"s a perfect way...

Here"s a perfect way to climb the career ladder! This space-age staircase is built from the rear ends of several C4 Coupés, and is one of eight finalists from Citroen’s C-Design contest to have been made into a fully functioning prototype.

However, the new-look...

However, the new-look Impreza will not be the only radical departure for the Japanese performance car market in 2007, as Mitsubishi is also planning to update its Evo range. The firm wants to enhance the appeal of its new Colt CZT supermini with an even faster version that will carry the famous Evo badge. With a high-output turbocharged engine and front-wheel drive, the hotter Colt is designed to provide Evo thrills for less money than the bigger saloon.

Hyundai is going the...

Hyundai is going the whole nine yards with its new executive saloon – or should that be i90?

HyundaiтЂ™s Sonata has...

HyundaiтЂ™s Sonata has debuted in LA, but donтЂ™t get too used to the newcomer, the version in the picture is only going on sale in America and Asia, Europe is getting its own completely re-styled model.

If the Ghost is the...

If the Ghost is the new "Baby Rolls", here"s the MINI version! Spied in the workshop receiving its finishing touches, this is definitely one small car with big ideas.

In a move that will...

In a move that will be music to the ears of thousands of in-car entertainment lovers, new models from each manufacturer will now be compatible with Apple"s popular digital MP3 players.

Instead of starting...

Instead of starting with a cautious 100-model run as reported in Issue 950, the Austrian brand has decided to increase output to 1,000 models a year as soon as possible.

Internet fever is helping...

Internet fever is helping to boost the resale values of a select band

Is blue the new green...

Is blue the new green at Volkswagen? With plans to grow the BlueMotion line-up to eight variants, VW will soon have the most models using the latest clean emission technology in the UK.

Is this the car that...

Is this the car that will save the reputation of Renault"s baby? Following a lukewarm reception from city car fans, the firm"s hopes rest on the hot Renaultsport version of the new Twingo to win customers over.

It also features tuned...

It also features tuned suspension for a sportier drive, and is powered by a 164bhp 2.3-litre petrol engine. Only 500 examples will be made, with hatchbacks costing н‚бЈ19,000 and estates priced at н‚бЈ20,000.

It can be hard for MPVs...

It can be hard for MPVs to get noticed amongst the glamour of a motor show, but Hyundai’s latest people carrier concept was drawing plenty of attention at the Geneva expo.

It looks like itтЂ™s...

It looks like itтЂ™s not only Aston which has an eye on high-performance city cars тЂ“ Lotus is working on one, too! The sporty firm has branched out to design this electric runaround for the masses. It borrows its 3+1 seating from the Toyota iQ to blend manoeuvrability with the latest wireless technology in order to create what could be the hippest urban runabout of 2015.

It might not look much...

It might not look much like a bella bambino now тЂ“ but this is the Fiat 500тЂ™s baby brother.

It’s one of the...

It’s one of the busiest design studios of any car maker, but Audi’s style centre has been working on yet another new model.

It"s a whole new take...

It"s a whole new take on the teaser shot! BMW has shunned the traditional shady photograph in favour of a short film, to give us a first glimpse at its all-new 5-Series.

It"s based on a Chinese...

It"s based on a Chinese car called the Hafei Lobo - which was originally styled by Pininfarina - but the Sutera has been revised for Europe with a tweaked exterior and suspension settings tuned by Lotus. Under the bonnet lies a 65bhp, 1.1-litre four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.

It"s called the Nissan...

It"s called the Nissan Urge, and is billed as a radical design project which could open up new avenues for the Japanese firm if it went into production. The lightweight, motorcycle-inspired machine would slot into the compact sports car sector alongside models such as the Lotus Elise and Vauxhall VX220. The roadster has a small, high-revving engine sending power to the rear wheels via a six-speed transmission.

It"s estimated that...

It"s estimated that such accidents cause thousands of pounds of damage and numerous serious injuries in the UK every year. They also disrupt public transport services and cause congestion - which is why a cross-industry group has found it necessary to raise awareness among truckers.

It"s regarded as one...

It"s regarded as one of the most unreliable cars of all time. But the Trabant is about to make a shock comeback as an electric model!

It"s the end of the...

It"s the end of the road for the British Motor Show тЂ“ Auto Express has learned that next year"s event has been canned as struggling car makers can"t afford to take space at ExCeL in London"s Docklands.

ItтЂ™s a Lambo with...

ItтЂ™s a Lambo with extra bite! Meet the Lamborghini Insecta Concept, the brainchild of Romanian design student Iulian Bumbu. The Milan-based designer claims the car is a fusion of the Italian carmaker"s current design language and the exoskeletons, or body armour, found on insects.

ItтЂ™s the abominable...

ItтЂ™s the abominable snowmobile! HereтЂ™s proof that the Yeti really does exist. Caught on the prowl in cold weather testing тЂ“ SkodaтЂ™s latest model is set to break cover at next weekтЂ™s Geneva show, but these virtually undisguised shots give us the best look yet at how the boxy compact SUV will shape up.

ItтЂ™s the shape of...

ItтЂ™s the shape of things to come from Czech car maker Skoda.

Lambo made a gift of...

Lambo made a gift of the all-wheel-drive machine to mark the force"s 152nd anniversary. And as you can see, this is no daft publicity stunt. It has a siren and flashing lights, two-tone paint and is packed with the latest police kit.

Lamborghini revealed...

Lamborghini revealed its true colours at Bologna today тЂ“ and it looks like itтЂ™s back to black for the supercar maker!

Measuring only 10cm...

Measuring only 10cm long, the all-new Skeletool tips the scales at a

Mitsubishi has become...

Mitsubishi has become the latest company to join the cross-over craze! This official sketch reveals the production version of the hatchback/SUV mix "cX" concept which was first unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2007.

More than 44,000 motorists...

More than 44,000 motorists face fines of up to ТЈ1,000 for failing to replace their photocard driving licences after the statutory 10 years.

Motor manufacturers...

Motor manufacturers and governments have been spending billions on fuel-cell engine research, but the latest analysis says the results are so expensive, very few drivers will buy them before 2020. A report by HyWays, the team planning the development of hydrogen as a fuel for Europe, has dismissed officials" hopes for the gas to be widely used in the next 14 years.

Navigating while riding...

Navigating while riding a scooter or bike can be a real pain. So if youтЂ™ve made the switch from four wheels to two, youтЂ™ll need something like the TomTom Rider sat-nav.

Never mind inner-city...

Never mind inner-city crime... what about inner-village? Residents of the Cleveland hamlet of Wingate near Hartlepool were more badly hit by vehicle-related theft than any other area outside London, a recent survey has discovered.

New logos have been...

New logos have been introduced which will allow potential buyers to see more easily how a model performs in each separate category.

Only 19 of the 2,263...

Only 19 of the 2,263 individual model derivatives listed in Auto Express"s New Car Prices Guide have the ageing technology as stanч­dard. All the other vehicles on sale are fitted with a CD stereo.

Only 60 of the special...

Only 60 of the special Arnage R-based cars will be sold - and a mere 19 have been earmarked for the UK. New 19-inch alloys, 60-year Union Flag badges and the Flying B mascot - last seen on the radiator of a production Bentley in the Seventies - mark out the rare model.

Out came the tribal...

Out came the tribal warriors as a new dawn broke for SEAT in the guise of the off-road SUV Tribu.

Owners of any of the...

Owners of any of the brand"s models can now give their car an exclusive new look with a unique name badge.

Panic bulk-buying of...

Panic bulk-buying of fuel could spark rationing for motorists, experts have warned.

Previous variants have...

Previous variants have only come in saloon or estate guises, but the newcomer features a sleek roofline and practical tailgate. It"s called the Concept Sportback, and insiders at the company say it gives an accurate view of the forthcoming Lancer"s styling. The machine seen here will make its debut in the metal at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Priced н‚бЈ1,800 and...

Priced н‚бЈ1,800 and н‚бЈ2,000 respectively, they get lower side skirts for a more sporty, ground-hugging profile, plus new bumpers and a black mesh grille. Unique to the X-Type estate is a tailgate spoiler claimed to improve airflow. The S-Type boasts a less pronounced version on the bootlid. Both cars get chrome exhaust pipes, and there are matching bezels around the bigger saloon"s front foglights. Eighteen-inch alloy wheels are included, too. The packages are available on diesel and petrol cars.

Pronounced "Cash Kye"...

Pronounced "Cash Kye", it combines SUV styling with MPV practicality. Insiders from the company have hinted that the main role of the Qashqai, with its angular front end and defined wheelarches, is to highlight future styling cues, particularly for the firm"s European models.

Reigning DTM German...

Reigning DTM German touring car championship title holder Audi has revealed its plans for 2009. As per last year, the

Revisions to the city...

Revisions to the city runabout include a lower, more aerodynamic roofline and shorter overhangs front and rear. The supermini, which is available to buy now, comes in either GSI or CDX trim. Standard equipment includes power-steering, driver"s airbag and anti-lock brakes for the GSI, while the range-topping CDX gets keyless entry, a leather steering wheel and rear spoiler. The Amica is only offered with a 1.1-litre petrol powerplant, but cars in CDX trim do come with the choice of either an automatic or manual gearbox.

Safety organisation...

Safety organisation Euro NCAP attacked the brand for failing to improve the safety credentials of the model, after it achieved only two stars out of five for occupant protection, and none for pedestrian protection in crash assessments.

Shifting wheel nuts...

Shifting wheel nuts that have been tightened by tyre fitters’ air tools can be virtually impossible if you are using your car’s wheel change kit. But this new wrench from Speedч­Cheetah promises to make the job easier.

Smith, founder of the...

Smith, founder of the safespeed.org.uk claims the Government has delayed reporting how many speeding tickets have been handed out to motorists. No official national figures have been published since 2003 and the information is now more than two years out of date.

So when one appeared...

So when one appeared on auction website eBay it caught our eye, and when we realised what state it was in - slightly "restyled" at the front - we were even more intrigued. The starting bid was н‚бЈ130,000, and the seller said the car had a mere 353 miles on the clock and was waiting for a new owner in Florida. But then the plot thickened - the Enzo mysteriously disappeared off the Internet before the end of the auction. It"s not clear whether it was sold privately, or Ferrari was unhappy and stepped in to get the sale stopped.

Swedish firm Autoliv...

Swedish firm Autoliv has unveiled its latest innovation, which it says will prevent injuries in rollover accidents. The device focuses on stopping occupants moving. A key element of the set-up is its reverse seatbelt arrangement. With the new system the strap starts at the inside edge of the front seat, not the door pillar. The buckle is located at the base, near the door, instead of by the handbrake. An airbag on the chair"s inside edge prevents the occupant slipping out of their belt - as can happen at present. A spokesman for Autoliv said: "Our system is simple, but the test results are promising."

That"s why a new multi-language...

That"s why a new multi-language dictionary of terms - featuring everything from "pay on departure" to "ticket machine" - has been launched. Interestingly, there are still some gaps which could leave parking firm bosses tongue-tied. For example, there are no Italian phrases listed for traffic warden, offence or fixed penalty notice.

The 3.2-litre V6 has...

The 3.2-litre V6 has been supercharged, so power is boosted from 215bhp to 330bhp. That means a 0-60mph time of only five seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 158mph.

THE Abarth 500 has gone...

THE Abarth 500 has gone power crazy! With its snarling 133bhp 1.4-litre turbo engine, the tuned baby already has quite a reputation.

The authority has awarded...

The authority has awarded a contract for 40 million new high-durability polycarbonate-based cards. These will still feature the driver"s picture, but the agency has built into the contract - and the design - the possibility of holding smart card chips (image). A spokesman for the DVLA said: "We are in the process of replacing the driving licence to address the increasing threat to security posed by counter-feiters. We don"t know when it will be adopted." The huge contract was won by Swiss firm Trüb, which says the new cards will be "virtually impossible to forge".

The booming city car...

The booming city car market is about to get even more competitive, with Ford confirming the new Ka will undercut its main rival, the Fiat 500. Starting at ?7,995 for the entry-level 1.2-litre Studio, the city car costs ?105 less than the equivalent 500 and only ?350 more than the outgoing Ka.

The calming influence...

The calming influence of a familiar motor makes it first choice for many brides. The traditional Roller (image) appears further down the list compiled by insurer Churchill, along with unusual vehicles such as a milk float, vintage bus or tractor. Five per cent of brides walked to church.

The car was revealed...

The car was revealed as a concept at last month"s Frankfurt Motor Show, and first versions are tipped to go on sale early next year. Powered by a 200bhp 2.0-litre engine, the Clio lacks the outright punch of VW"s Golf GTI and the Vauxhall Astra VXR, but Renault says the new RS"s blend of light weight and outright grip means it should deliver a seven second 0-60mph time and 150mph top speed.

The CeeтЂ™dтЂ™s on a diesel power trip!

The CeeтЂ™dтЂ™s on a diesel power trip!

The compact five-door...

The compact five-door is closely related to the new MG6 concept and once on sale, it will slot in the Roewe range slightly below the 550.

The concept buggy has...

The concept buggy has a seat, steering column and throttle, transforming the original stand-up model into a quirky quad bike. The sketch shows how the two front wheels have simply been attached to a standard Segway, with footrests replacing the platform. The four-wheeler is steered by a simple turn of the handlebars.

The course costs guilty...

The course costs guilty motorists чЈ60, and so far the speeders have coughed up чЈ250,000 worth of funding to Avon and Somerset schools since last autumn, thanks to the Operation Taboo initiative.

The device, made by...

The device, made by specialist sound system giant Harman/Kardon, is called the Drive+Play, and it comes in three parts. There"s a "brain" that"s hidden under the dashboard which connects the car"s stereo to the iPod, a display unit and a compact control stick.

The firm has launched...

The firm has launched its new Monster range, which smell sweet and should appeal to young passengers.

The front end has been...

The front end has been completely re-styled with a larger grille, fresh headlamps and a new bumper and wings. At the rear, the tailgate and lamps have been smartened up, too. But the main improvements are under the skin, where there"s a debut for a more powerful diesel engine, a modified gearbox and a new suspension set-up.

The German captured...

The German captured the F1 feeder series title in commanding style by winning the season finale at Valencia in Spain. Rival Lucas di Grassi was never in contention, crashing out of the first race and finishing 13th in the second.

The GM-owned manufacturer...

The GM-owned manufacturer has launched a performance version of the Lacetti hatch, and hinted that a hot estate could arrive later this year.

The Lamborghini Murciélago...

The Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster may cost чЈ225,000, but the supercar has one of the fiddliest fabric tops around.

The Lexus GS 450h combines...

The Lexus GS 450h combines a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine with a mighty 197bhp electric motor, and enables the luxury saloon to power to 62mph in 5.9 seconds, and onto to 155mph at the top end. If it wasn"t for a combined economy figures of 35.8mpg, and emissions of 186g/km you"d think that Lexus had completely missed the point of hybrids all together.

The line-up now includes...

The line-up now includes the Fever 5R, XLR, Vertigo and Mag-num, which Mak claims mix mo­tor­sport inspiration with Italian style.

The luxury brand was...

The luxury brand was the top-ranking car maker in a cross-sector study designed to measure factors such as professionalism, competence, staff friendliness and the handling of complaints. The poll was dominated by German manufacturers; second place in the standings went to Mercedes, while BMW/MINI took the third podium spot.

The manufacturer has...

The manufacturer has announced that it"s to be the first in Europe to use motorcycle electronics giant Acumen"s pulsar emergency brake display system in place of conventional rear lamps.

The Mercedes-Benz stand...

The Mercedes-Benz stand was awash with colour to represent the different seasons of the year and how green its cars would be. The first phase of tree dancers culiminated in them working themselves into the design of a car. The German maker then unveiled 19 green cars with the F700 the most visually stunning.

The model has been designed...

The model has been designed for the Brazilian market, but recent statements from blue oval bosses that all cars will have a "global look" suggest this is how the next version of the UK"s favourite supermini might shape up.

The model makes its...

The model makes its debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month, and bosses say buyers will be tempted by its wedge-shaped design, large headlamps, spacious, high-quality cabin and enormous boot - as well as the value for money it represents.

The new Magellan Maestro...

The new Magellan Maestro 4245 made its world debut in Frankfurt, and is only 17.8mm thick and 82.5mm tall. Yet despite its size, it packs a real punch.

The new Renaultsport...

The new Renaultsport Clio has side vents and an F1-style diffuser with integrated tailpipes, which are all designed to aid aerodynamics.

The news comes as the...

The news comes as the firm revealed the most powerful Golf ever, the R32 (pictured here). Using a 247bhp 3.2-litre V6, it gets 4MOTION all-wheel drive and uprated suspension. Styling enhancements include an aluminium grille, spoilers and central twin exhausts.

The one-off, created...

The one-off, created by DeBerti Designs of Cali-fornia, had wheels that stood 40 inches tall. Next to it was a sim- ilarly modified black model, featuring lowered suspension and a boom-ing 5,800-watt sound system.

The page, located at...

The page, located at www.transportdirect.info has live traffic news and route-planning software, plus data on trains, planes and coaches. Users can see the likelihood of delays, and check out different routes. Transport Secretary Alistair Darling said: "For the first time, travellers will be able to view the various travel choices all in one place." Yet bizarrely, he added: "Of course, there will be teething problems, but increasingly Transport Direct will bring huge benefits."

There"s a Big Cat on...

There"s a Big Cat on the prowl in Death Valley. This is the XF-R тЂ“ and, as you can see, the BMW M5 rival will really look the part when it goes on sale in 2010.

The RIOT - short for...

The RIOT - short for Re-Invention Of The wheel - is the work of entertainer Jake Lyall. It"s steered by leaning and amazingly has no brake. The only way to slow and stop is by leaning forward to scrape the seatbase along the ground.

The Saab 9-5 has been...

The Saab 9-5 has been commended as the safest car on Swedish roads by Folksam, the Swedish insurance and accident investigation authority. This latest safety acclaim follows the Saab 9-5"s 5-Star EuroNCAP rating last year, as well as being named by Thatcham as the benchmark in terms of seat design for safety and anti-whiplash injuries.

The second Swedish supercar...

The second Swedish supercar after the awesome Koeniggsegg is due to launch this autumn. It"s got all the things you"d expect of a supercar - gorgeous looks, a painted carbonfibre body, a 6-speed gearbox, and a chassis seemingly made from feathers and balsa wood, seeing as the whole car weighs a paltry 525kgs.

The Solihull-based firm...

The Solihull-based firm has confirmed the return of its tough adventure competition, which will cross two continents and four countries. The event kicks off in Bangkok, Thailand and finishes in Bolivia, South America. Competitors from 18 nations will drive, cycle, climb and kayak during the gruelling month-long competition, all trying to win the first prize of a new Range Rover.

The Swedish firm has...

The Swedish firm has told Auto Express the new car will be a hatchback, not a load-lugger, and that it will slot in beneath the 9-3 in the range, taking on rivals such as Audi"s A3 and the BMW 1-Series. Set for launch in 2008, it will also form the basis of the next Impreza. That car will mark the arrival of diesel engines for the Japanese firm.

The TDV8 is the highlight...

The TDV8 is the highlight in a range of revisions to the brand"s off-road flagship. The diesel model slashes the car"s 0-60mph sprint time to 8.4 seconds - more than four seconds quicker than the outgoing TDV6 - yet offers the same 25.1mpg fuel economy.

The theory is if you...

The theory is if you avoid the little white lines on the road you can"t be prosecuted. But police say the potentially deadly manoeuvre does not work - the lens will snap your plate whichever side of the road you"re on. What"s more, offenders may face further charges for dangerous driving.

The Transport Research...

The Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) surveyed 80,000 vehicles on the M3, M4 and M5, plus the A14 and A4, using special laser equipment (right). The Berkshire-based group found many HGVs were 4.9 metres tall, meaning they"re dangerously close to the standard height for motorway and road bridges, which is 5.03 metres.

The two-wheeled Segway...

The two-wheeled Segway could soon be made road-legal. The zero-emission scooters are currently not allowed to be used on highways or pavements. But Conservative MPs are arguing they could be the solution to traffic gridlock in towns and cities.

The warning comes after...

The warning comes after one leading insurer stated that it would no longer allow its policyholders to drive other people"s cars on a third party basis, even if their own vehicle is insured on a fully comprehensive policy.

The wraps are almost...

The wraps are almost off of BMW"s all-new 5-Series hatchback! Called the Gran Turismo, the new model has been spied testing here in Germany almost completely undisguised for the first time.

They"ve covered up everything...

They"ve covered up everything except the grille and lights - and those are the very bits which spill the beans on the next Coupнѓ©. Auto Express"s exclusive picture shows it will take its front-end design cues from the new luxury Quattroporte saloon.

This could be the family...

This could be the family car that breaks the mould - that’s according to young American car designer Mallory McMorrow. The 21-year old won a competition to style a Mazda3 for 2017.

This is the next-generation...

This is the next-generation model, caught testing in Germany. Underneath the mule"s body lies the all-new 5-Series" chassis, engine and gearbox. There are obvious clues: the front bumper has been redesigned to improve cooling, while the wings have grown to fit a wider wheelbase. At the back, the arches have also been extended to cover the increased track.

This means high-performance...

This means high-performance models such as the BMW Z4, which are fitted with the special rubber, are immune to the traps.

This new hands-free...

This new hands-free kit from Bury Technologies looks like a travel alarm clock. But its lightweight appearance hides a raft of clever features.

This one is the European...

This one is the European design, which we think is a fine job. Pitched as a more versatile rival to Ford"s Mondeo and the Vauxhall Vectra, the Genus is expected to become a production reality. "It"s looking increasingly as though we will build something like this," said a spokesman.

Three out of five motorists...

Three out of five motorists don’t want speed limits reduced to 20mph in town and city centres.

Toyota"s Corolla replacement...

Toyota"s Corolla replacement, the Auris, has been awarded five stars for adult occupant safety in Euro NCAP"s latest crash test results.

UK traffic levels rose...

UK traffic levels rose by 1.2 per cent for the first quarter of this year, compared with the same period in 2005. Car traffic was unchanged, but light vans went up by eight per cent and heavier trucks by three per cent. M-way traffic rose by one per cent.

VOLVO is recalling 217,000...

VOLVO is recalling 217,000 XC90 off-roaders worldwide to replace steering ball joint. Around 34,000 S40 and V50 models being called in for possible fuel line leak.

We spoke to several...

We spoke to several safety partnerships - the groups which look after the cameras - and found workers are told to walk across busy dual carriageways to load new film cartridges.

WeтЂ™ve heard of the...

WeтЂ™ve heard of the credit crunch тЂ“ now hereтЂ™s the price crunch! Lexus is offering its revamped IS saloon for up to ТЈ1,000 less than the outgoing model. Even better news is that the new BMW 3-Series rival, which benefits from a number of upgrades inside and out, packs even more equipment despite the reduced tag.

What do you do when...

What do you do when you need a name for your new sports car? Ask the wife! The wild Suzusho Supasse debuted at Tokyo, where company boss Tosho Suzuki revealed its badge was conceived by his partner. She declared the two-seater great at overtaking рЂ“ hence the model designation "Supasse".

When we tried Furniture...

When we tried Furniture ClinicтЂ™s Leather Ultra Clean in our Issue 882 test, it didnтЂ™t do too well. Now, itтЂ™s back тЂ“ and has been much improved.

Whereas previous hybrid...

Whereas previous hybrid cars have concentrated on winning over city-bound drivers, the Accord is one for the open road. Powered by the 240bhp V6 already offered in American Accords, the model promises all the performance of a luxury saloon, but with the economy of a much more efficient four-cylinder car.

While the finishing...

While the finishing touches are being added to BentleyтЂ™s green giant, SEATтЂ™s eco car is already a sales hit!

With a document called...

With a document called Alfaforever - Imagine The Future, he revealed the company"s new car plans. These include a new Junior-badged hot hatch, a replacement for the 147, a fresh mid-sized SUV and a new-generation motor to replace the 166.

With a host of styling...

With a host of styling cues taken from the existing 3 and 6 models, the people carrier concept - called the MX-Flexa - points the way to a future replacement vehicle for the Mazda MPV, which has struggled to find buyers in the UK.

With green very much...

With green very much the theme at this yearтЂ™s LA show, even more eco-driving gadgets emerged from its stands.

With its legend created...

With its legend created by the C and D-Type Le Mans racers of the Fifties, the car set speed and performance records when it hit the road in 1961. Capable of 150mph, the first 3.8-litre machine was guaranteed instant status as a classic, and its appeal endures to this day. Even now, top examples fetch over чЈ50,000, almost as much as a new XK.

Working on a car at...

Working on a car at night normally means holding a torch with one hand тЂ“ limiting what you can do under the bonnet. But not with the neat new Silva L4 head torch.

You might need an A-Z...

You might need an A-Z to navigate a new town – but what about a car? Mercedes seems to think so. The German firm has realised its models are so complex that it has issued a handy guidebook.

You walk into the house...

You walk into the house, put them down in exactly the same place every time, but still they wander off! Car keys have a habit of disappearing, usually when you’ve got to leave fast – which is what makes the new Loc8tor Lite such a brilliant invention.