Motorsport

Motorsport

26 YEARS AGO: Surprising...

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

According to American...

According to American Brandstand, a firm which monitors mentions of commercial products in songs, the German marque was the most popular in 2003. It appeared in the lyrics of 112 different records, and was a favourite of rap star 50 Cent, who included it in four of his six chart hits.

A dashboard black box...

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

Alfa fans are sure to...

Alfa fans are sure to go weak at the knees when they see all the models on the Italian car makerтЂ™s stand at this year"s Paris Motor Show.

Also unveiled this week...

Also unveiled this week is the worldтЂ™s first integrated billing system for motorists using electric car charging posts.

Although many new cars...

Although many new cars are sold with Apple iPod connectivity as standard, those of us who donтЂ™t own the latest wheels can enjoy our MP3 tunes in the car with a Macally FM Port. This FM transmitter enables you to listen to your favourite digital tracks through the standard stereo.

Although the Honda star...

Although the Honda star shared the three victories on offer with his Team Halfords team-mate Gordon Shedden and Team RAC"s Colin Turkington, Neal backed up his breakthrough Thruxton win with two second place finishes. He has now established a 33-point lead in the drivers" championship.

Although there"s no...

Although there"s no engine or gearbox in the 2.5-metre-long model of FAB1, it comes with working headlamps, proper steering, opening doors and even leather seats. There"s also a perspex roof, which opens to allow the puppeteers above to waggle the strings and make Parker and Lady P move!

Although Vauxhall is...

Although Vauxhall is denying responsibility for problems with StuartтЂ™s Corsa, the Luton firm has already had one handbrake-related recall this year. Announced in April, it covers the Vectra and all Signums.

And as you can see...

And as you can see, it"s a sleek machine with an angled rear window that slopes down to meet the bootlid. It gives the car a completely different look from the other three and five-door models in the manufacturer"s current range.

A new gadget from GEAR4...

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

A shock new study shows...

A shock new study shows that driving at 20mph instead of 30mph actually pumps out more CO2. Research carried out by the AA has revealed that slowing traffic down can boost carbon dioxide levels by as much as 10 per cent.

A specially equipped...

A specially equipped VW Phaeton has proved technology can automatically spot potential hazards lurking at a busy crossroads and help the driver avoid collisions there. The electronics could be available as soon as 2009.

A spokesman for the...

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

As well as revealing...

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

As you can see from...

As you can see from this exclusive official picture, the flagship version is based on the current car, but 18-inch alloy wheels, a new front bumper and several striking pink STi badges set it apart from models in the rest of the Forester line-up.

At best, it is irritating...

At best, it is irritating to hear stuff moving around in console cubbies and the like. And at worst it could be dangerous, as they may end up under the pedals. But JML reckons it’s come up with a solution – the Grab Mat.

Beating the morning...

Beating the morning traffic means more commuters are turning to pedal power тЂ“ and ultra-compact folding bikes such as this new Strida 5.0 are tailor made for the job. Building on the success of the companyтЂ™s previous A-frame cycles, the new model adds greater comfort and safety to the mix.

Bohringer"s remarkable...

Bohringer"s remarkable Beetle was created after he worked on the New Beetle project for VW. It was one of many variants that were rejected at the design stage, but he decided to go ahead with the idea privately.

Bosses at the firm might...

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

Bosses said it previews...

Bosses said it previews a new type of car that combines SUV looks with MPV practicality. The luxurious cabin features three rows of two seats, with barn-style doors for improved access and an industry-first three-way opening tailgate, with hinges at the top and both sides.

CadillacтЂ™s CTS has...

CadillacтЂ™s CTS has been given the boot! The American company has used CaliforniaтЂ™s Pebble Beach Concours DтЂ™Elegance motor show to unveil the Sports Wagon version of its BMW 5-Series rival, and it keeps the bold looks of the striking saloon.

Capable on motorways...

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

Cars donтЂ™t get cuter...

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

Cars get their glossy...

Cars get their glossy shine from a special transparent layer on top of the coloured paint. But this ultra-thin coating is scratched by thousands of tiny impacts from road grit and from rubbing when the car is washed. Now, boffins at German firm Bayer have worked out how to make this vital top layer heal itself. The magic formula is called 2K-PUR Clear Coat, and a spokesman told us: "It heals right before your eyes in a few minutes."

Cars that think they...

Cars that think they are aeroplanes are nothing new, but this radical design from Milner Motors really does break fresh ground.

Centre-stage are these...

Centre-stage are these reincarnations of Ford"s Shelby Mustang, the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger. The production version of the Mustang, the Shelby Cobra GT500, will draw plenty of attention when it appears in coupé and convertible forms. The 5.4-litre V8 model has 450bhp, and is set apart from standard variants by white stripes and a deep front bumper.

Chinese firm Nanjing...

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

Codenamed the Wz, it...

Codenamed the Wz, it is expecчted to replace the Korean brand"s Chairman saloon. But its sleek profile and narrow headlamps are far removed from the awkward looks of the firm"s Rodius MPV and Kyron SUV, which are SsangYong"s most familiar products here in the UK. In fact, the Wz"s heavily contoured flanks and smooth bodylines are more reminiscent of the Lexus LS.

Congestion charge payment...

Congestion charge payment machines are being axed тЂ“ as London prepares for a major overhaul of its carbon-busting scheme.

Could this be the world"s...

Could this be the world"s most democratic car? After a year long vote, the Beat supermini concept is to go into production.

Developed in the motor...

Developed in the motor racing arena, they are becoming common-place on supercars that need brakes to match their powerful engines and ultra-stiff chassis.

Drivers hailed as kings of the Ring

Drivers wanting maximum...

Drivers wanting maximum economy can also choose 120bhp and 150bhp versions of Fiat"s Multijet diesel

Emphasising the ST"s...

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

Ever-improving security...

Ever-improving security means thieves are increasingly steal-ing keys to gain easy entry. Now, electronics giant Hitachi, which invented the new system, hopes to slam the door on that problem. The detector is built into the car"s handle.

Ever been plagued by...

Ever been plagued by the niggling feeling you’ve forgotten something? Did you switch off the kitchen light? Is the back door locked?

Exclusive shots in this...

Exclusive shots in this week"s mag show how the sleek four-door, which is based on the forthcoming V8 coupнѓ©, combines traditional elements such as the distinctive front grille and high-waisted shape, but incorporates two doors on each side.

Faded black plastic...

Faded black plastic trim can spoil your carтЂ™s looks, so to freshen it up you need trim dressing like this Prolong Super Protectant.

Following in the tracks...

Following in the tracks of the recently launched Q7, the smaller model will take on Land Rover"s next-generation Freelander, as well as BMW"s soon-to-be-revised X3. Expect similar looks to the full-sized off-roader, but with a more aggressive edge. Professor Dr Martin Winterkorn, chairman of the Audi board of management, told Auto Express: "The Q5 will be an overtly sporty vehicle that will add an important product to the Audi model range."

Following October"s...

Following October"s closure of the Blackpool plant and news of plans to move the operation to Europe, the manufacturing division has now called in the receiver.

Ford"s Premier Automotive...

Ford"s Premier Automotive Group - which following the exit of Aston Martin comprises Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo - returned a loss of чЈ166million last year.

For the first time in...

For the first time in modern grand prix history, all the top teams will have the same driver line-ups in 2009 as they did this year.

For those who forget...

For those who forget to download the latest database for their speed trap locator, Road Angel has launched the Professional Connected which updates itself, using mobile phone GPRS technology.

French giant Citroen...

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

Going green could soon...

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

Goodyear may no longer...

Goodyear may no longer be in grand prix racing, but its new Eagle F1 Asymmetric tyre uses the latest technology. As the name suggests, the firm has ditched a directional pattern in favour of an asymmetric tread for its flagship rubber. This has allowed the grooves to be optimised for different requirements, such as dry grip or water shifting.

Half dune buggy, half...

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

Having constructed special...

Having constructed special bodied versions of the MINI in the past, the team of designers and engineers has given one of America"s most famous sports cars an extensive makeover. And the results are remarkable.

Here are the pictures...

Here are the pictures that prove that Chevrolet"s Camaro Cabriolet is still on target for launch next year.

Here"s a toy that might...

Here"s a toy that might drive you up the wall! The Air Hogs Zero Gravity remote control micro car can suck on to just about any angle of surface, defying gravity and travelling virtually anywhere.

Honda is thinking big...

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

If you can’t stand...

If you can’t stand the cable clutter of portable systems, but still want to get sat-nav in your car, this latest product from in-car entertainment giant Clarion could be the answer.

If you need more space...

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

In-ear hands-free kits...

In-ear hands-free kits make using your phone in the car simple, but not everyone finds them comfortable. However, there are a number of solutions тЂ“ and the latest is the new T505 from Motorola.

Infiniti"s going topless!...

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

In issue 871, we revealed...

In issue 871, we revealed how the one-off show car was flatly denied by Alfa"s UK staff. Then, last week, they changed their tune and admitted it did exist. And here it is.

Initially developed...

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

I spy with my little...

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

It refers to cars fitted...

It refers to cars fitted with engines running on petrol and electricity. But an investigation by Honda says that drivers are "blissfully ignorant" of the green technology.

It’s crunch time for new ForTwo

It’s the Fiesta...

It’s the Fiesta Zetec Blue – a model that’s packed with goodies which would normally add чЈ800 to the price of the Style Climate on which it’s based. However, this latest variant only costs an extra чЈ200.

It"s arguably one of...

It"s arguably one of the worldтЂ™s most evocative car brands, so Ferrari is bound to take centre stage at any motor show!

It"s believed that production...

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

It"s cash for scrap!...

It"s cash for scrap! The Government has hinted it will give the green light to a revolutionary scheme that will see owners get чЈ2,000 off the price of a new car if they agree to scrap their old one.ч

It"s not only the MiTo...

It"s not only the MiTo thatтЂ™s been hotting up тЂ“ the GT is, too.

It"s official –...

It"s official – Bristol has been named the slowest city in Britain, with an average speed of only 16.8mph!

It"s the electric dream...

It"s the electric dream that could soon become a reality. This is the P1-E тЂ“ a sports car that can do 0-60mph in 2.9 seconds without emitting any carbon dioxide at all.

It"s the latest in a...

It"s the latest in a series of concepts that hints at how future Mazda models will look, and follows on from the Nagare, which was revealed at the Los Angeles expo in November

ItтЂ™s probably easier...

ItтЂ™s probably easier to list what this double-dash-slot Kenwood doesnтЂ™t do, so comprehensive is the list of its functions!

It was clear that Alfa...

It was clear that Alfa wanted to join the 4x4 party when it unveiled the Kamal concept at last year"s Geneva Motor Show. But while that machine is still several years from launch, fans will be able to buy the Crosswagon before 2004 is out.

It was revealed by Auto...

It was revealed by Auto Express in issue 830, and prototypes of the car are reportedly being put through final tests. MINI legend John Cooper Garages is said to be helping develop a new 225bhp 1.6-litre engine.

Joining the similarly...

Joining the similarly micro-sized G-Wiz, the Sakura Battery Co. vehicle is a 2-seater designed solely for environmentally-friendly city life. Constructed from a stainless steel chassis, it is less than 9 feet long, 5 foot wide, has front-opening rear-hinged doors, and claims to have enough storage space in the back to carry a bike, if you decide that battery power isn"t green enough for you.

Just days before the...

Just days before the start of the Concours dтЂ™Elegance show in Pebble Beach, California, Auto Express has lifted the lid on PininfarinaтЂ™s latest creation тЂ“ the Hyperion.

Lamp posts and signs...

Lamp posts and signs could soon be used to help reduce congestion on UK roads. Exeter-based technology firm LastMile has developed a new solar-powered transceiver, which can be fitted into road furniture and used to beam traffic information into cars. It is working on the project with Qinetiq – the company which carries out weapons testing for the Ministry of Defence.

Meet the team tasked...

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

MINI has announced the...

MINI has announced the arrival of the ВЈ10,950 MINI First, a budget car perfect for first time drivers and Scrappage Scheme buyers.

More and more farmers...

More and more farmers are taking advantage of a planning loophole and renting out parts of fields for ads. They can do this because posters on vehicles are exempt from advertising laws. Firms selling the space are charging corporate clients up to н‚бЈ1,200 a month, delighting landowners.

More than 4,500 miles...

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

Motorists who flee the...

Motorists who flee the scene after damaging street furniture are being tracked down and forced to pay up.

Mr Khan, from Openshaw...

Mr Khan, from Openshaw, Greater Manchester, was snapped as he drove his Toyota Land Cruiser in a 30mph zone on the A57 in the city. "I was worried when I opened the letter and saw it was from the police," he explained. "I couldn"t think what it would be for."

Nissan"s luxury arm...

Nissan"s luxury arm, Infiniti, has confirmed prices for its flagship off-roader. When it goes on sale in September, the V6 or V8-engined all-wheel-drive FX will start from ТЈ42,600 for the 316bhp FX37 GT. Topping the range is the 385bhp V8 FX50, which costs ТЈ53,800.

Nobody captures the...

Nobody captures the spirit of Seventies scootering better than Vespa тЂ“ and the new S takes the concept further.

Now BMW has even more...

Now BMW has even more six appeal! The firm has launched a range of sporty upgrades for its 6-Series and X6 line-ups, all designed to boost their driving dynamics and visual appeal.

Off-roaders usually...

Off-roaders usually make headlines for the wrong reasons these days. But it was the fuel-saving stop-start technology fitted to Land RoverтЂ™s new Freelander TD4_e that was grabbing attention at the Paris expo.

Old tyres increase a...

Old tyres increase a carтЂ™s stopping distance by 23 per cent, an exclusive Auto Express investigation has revealed.

One of the most spectacular...

One of the most spectacular concepts that will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March is home-grown in Switzerland. It’s based on a lightweight aluminium chassis, features an efficient petrol-electric drivetrain and could be on sale next year.

One of ToyotaтЂ™s cars...

One of ToyotaтЂ™s cars is about to get an MPV makeover. But the question is, which will it be?

Oriental car builders...

Oriental car builders have been making big news around the world, due to firms such as Geely, Nanjing and SAIC producing vehicles not only for their home country, but with an eye on the US and Europe.

Personal import specialist...

Personal import specialist ECU, of Greenford, Middlesex, had hoped to make the Ypsilon supermini and Thesis V6 executive saloon stars of Motorexpo, which runs at London"s Canary Wharf until 20 June. However, the transporter bringing the left-hand-drive models from Belgium was involved in a road crash which left both cars "completely mullered", according to ECU"s Dan Shepherd.

Planning a winter break...

Planning a winter break or ski trip? The new Excellence roof box from Thule could be a stylish solution to your luggage problems.

Pretty Ferraris are...

Pretty Ferraris are back in fashion! The Italian supercar

Producing a sat-nav...

Producing a sat-nav that stands out from the hundreds on the market isnтЂ™t easy. Yet this latest model from Becker really catches the eye.

Professor Krish Bhaskar...

Professor Krish Bhaskar, whose Triple A consortium made an unsuccessful bid for MG Rover, reckons Peugeot will shut the ageing site within two years, because the new 207 won"t be built there. He wants to convert it to produce four sports cars under the British badge.

Protest traffic will...

Protest traffic will assemble at both Leigh Delamere and Membury Services from 10am on Saturday 30th April. At 11am protest convoys will leave both services travelling west from Membury and east from Leigh Delamere.

Red Bull ace David Coulthard...

Red Bull ace David Coulthard is not ready to give up racing just yet. Despite announcing his retirement from F1 on the eve of the British GP, the Scot hasnтЂ™t ruled out a return to the track.

Renault is charging...

Renault is charging towards an electric future! The latest teaser image from the French car maker previews four zero emissions concept cars that will be showcased at next week"s Frankfurt Motor Show.

Rivals such as the Ford...

Rivals such as the Ford Focus ST and Vauxhall Astra VXR had better watch out, as the old timer has some new tricks up its sleeve. Key to its appeal is a boost in power, taking the T-FSI unit up from 197bhp to 228bhp.

R you ready for the...

R you ready for the hottest SEAT Leon Cupra ever? Auto Express has learned that the Spanish company is planning a high-performance R version of its flagship hatchback!

Safety experts are dismayed...

Safety experts are dismayed that last December"s law banning hand-helds hasn"t proved more effective. "The message has not got through that using them reduces safety," said a spokeswoman for the Royal Society For The Prevention Of Accidents. "People have to learn it"s unacceptable to risk lives just to make a call."

Scooped at a customer...

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

Shauna, 11, placed two...

Shauna, 11, placed two signs on either side of the A44 in her village of Yarnton, Oxfordshire. Each reads "Slow! children crossing!" Her mother Nicola said many drivers took little notice of the 50mph speed limit on the road.

Skoda has got some monster...

Skoda has got some monster plans up its sleeve for 2009 тЂ“ including the introduction of its Yeti compact SUV!

Sony’s sleek PlayStation3...

Sony’s sleek PlayStation3 console certainly seems to have been worth the wait, as the company claims that the system’s graphics set new standards. However, it does admit most users will need a high-definition television to get the full benefit.

Standing nearly two...

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

Storing a roofbox when...

Storing a roofbox when itтЂ™s not in use can pose a real problem, unless you have a collapsible unit like this new Ranger 500 from storage expert Thule.

TAKE a look at Citroen"s...

TAKE a look at Citroen"s first plug-in baby. This is the C-ZERO тЂ“ a fully fledged zero emission electric car that will reach Citroen showrooms next year.

Take a look at the first...

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

That’s because...

That’s because it has provided the basis for the new Vauxhall five-door and, having done much of the engineering work, will produce its own version of the same car, badged the Splash.

The 310bhp 2.3-litre...

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

The answer is the AMS1...

The answer is the AMS1, an all-new exotic supercar. But this beast won"t break the bank - it costs only чЈ19,000. Weighing 900kg instead of the Subaru"s 1,350kg, the 2.0-litre 260bhp car hits 150mph and has a 0-60mph time of around four seconds.

The best car waxes often...

The best car waxes often contain carnauba, harvested from the leaves of a South American palm tree. But if a product contains too much it can be difficult to apply; too little and it will provide insufficient protection.

The clever system has...

The clever system has a separate button unit from the existing pedestrian crossing, and it"s fitted higher up on a different pole so the rider can reach it without dismounting. This is set well back from the kerb so the animal does not get frightened by passing cars. Illuminated red and green horses clearly show the rider when to cross.

The Community Pace Scheme...

The Community Pace Scheme, in Doncaster, S Yorks, enlists drivers who pledge to stick to the limit. But Department for Transport figures suggest it could be doing more harm than good.

The company is hoping...

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

The Department for Transport...

The Department for Transport is introducing a dedicated high vehicle occupancy (HVO) scheme between junctions seven at St Albans, Hertfordshire, and 10 at Luton, Bedfordshire.

The latest technology...

The latest technology from Formula One tyre supplier Bridgestone means that even the biggest 4x4s and people carriers can now use run-flats – and it’s all thanks to a unique cooling fin.

The market has developed...

The market has developed well in all western European countries. With two million units sold, sales of portable navigation equipment rose ten-fold in 2005 compared with the previous year. The country comparison confirms the UK leads the European market with a total of 670,000 devices sold. Germany (407,000), France (295,000), Italy (186,800) and the Netherlands (129,600) follow.

The money will fund...

The money will fund cutting-edge scientific exploration into space-age metals for body, chassis and engine parts. It is the UK"s biggest-ever project of its kind, and will take 50 experts five years to reach their goal.

The move guarantees...

The move guarantees buyers that a vehicle is environmentally friendly all through its life - at the time of manufacture, driving and finally recycling.

The name will be familiar...

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

The newcomer is aimed...

The newcomer is aimed at China"s emerging breed of super-rich businessmen. A previous version, last made in 1980, was used to transport the nation"s Communist leaders. This new model will be put into production by 2008 - ready for the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People"s Republic the following year.

The new PX-MiEV isnтЂ™t...

The new PX-MiEV isnтЂ™t the only battery-powered Mitsubishi thatтЂ™s set to plug in at Tokyo.

The Panamera isnтЂ™t...

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

The potentially deadly...

The potentially deadly situation has been highlighted by ex-cop John Dwyer - an expert in road safety. He says using the wrong type of weld on the chassis metals can affect rigidity and safety.

The pre-Geneva teasers...

The pre-Geneva teasers are coming thick and fast now тЂ“ but none are more intriguing than this! Ultra-exotic Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg has released this mean and moody shot of a brand new concept called the Quant.

The problem is caused...

The problem is caused by anti-copying security codes written on to the CDs, which can make them unreadable by certain in-car head units. We were alerted to the problem by reader Peter Wright from Halifax, West Yorkshire.

The R8 is upping its...

The R8 is upping its game! This black V10 model, spied lapping the Nürburgring in Germany, shows Audi thinks its sublime supercar can still be improved.

There are busy times...

There are busy times ahead for BMW, after the German company announced a raft of new models across its range of brands.

There are huge safety...

There are huge safety benefits to the equipment. Its electronic "eye" has a range of 250 metres, and it can even help slow the car down - in much the same way as Active Cruise Control (ACC) - so there"s always a safe stopping distance, even when the vehicle ahead is completely obscured.

The Sinister Six is...

The Sinister Six is the latest project car from Team Alpine, the electronics and entertainment wizard.

The stylish hatchback...

The stylish hatchback picked up twice as many votes as its nearest rival, the Porsche Cayman, in winning the accolade. Thousands of readers took part in the poll through the magazine, our award-winning website and on our stand at the recent MPH 05 motor shows in Birmingham and London. The Civic will now go into a grand final in February to find the overall European Auto 1 champion, with the results announced at the Geneva Motor Show the following month.

The tiny beacons were...

The tiny beacons were installed less than a year ago on a three-mile stretch of the A12 near Witham in Essex. The theory was they would reduce the accident risk because they"d be permanently illuminated.

They are guaranteeing...

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

This is the EVE - a...

This is the EVE - a Gen2 hatchback that features a new petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, which has been produced by Lotus Engineering. The Efficient, Variable, Environчmental (EVE) system can be added to the drivetrain of virtually anycar on sale today. And the show model has been designed to demonstrate how easily manufacturers can turn a vehicle into a clean, green eco-friendly machine.

UNLOADING new cars from...

UNLOADING new cars from a transporter is nerve wracking - but the most feared model for reversing on to the road isn"t what you"d think.

Unsold motors are piling...

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

Used buyers will still...

Used buyers will still have to stump up the cash if they want a second-hand Nissan Qashqai, according to the price experts at the VIP Trader Guide.

Visitors to the show...

Visitors to the show will be hard pressed to miss the muscular frame of CadillacтЂ™s new CTS Coupe concept.

Voice recognition can...

Voice recognition can be a difficult art to master, usually requiring time-consuming training to work correctly. However, with the Parrot Minikit Slim hands-free kit you can speak easy, as it is claimed to identify nearly all commands straight out of the box.

We"ve picked Nik Kovrlija...

We"ve picked Nik Kovrlija of Goole, East Yorks, as he told us he"s owned every single Skoda model since 1996, and thinks "the joke is on the snobs who don"t appreciate a bargain".

We were the first magazine...

We were the first magazine to give you a glimpse of the new Kia Venga supermini last week.

While the display car...

While the display car will be labelled a concept, the 20-inch wheels alone mark it out from the showroom-ready Outlander, set to go on sale in the UK next spring. Power will come from Volkswagen"s 138bhp 2.0-litre TDI engine, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. A 2.4-litre petrol version will arrive in spring 2008.