Autotuning

Autotuning

A compressor is perhaps...

A compressor is perhaps the easiest way to keep your levels topped up, and this competitively priced inflator from Metro is a good place to start.

A driver was fined чЈ60...

A driver was fined чЈ60 and given three points on his licence after the Highways Agency employees complained about his driving to the police. It"s the second time in a month someone has ended up in court after being reported by Traffic Officers.

Alfa Romeo is giving...

Alfa Romeo is giving its cars the personal touch! The stylish Italian brand is offering owners the chance to customise their new motors. With its Unique Alfa scheme, buyers can choose from three finishes to give their purchase a bespoke look.

ALFA Romeo turned glamour...

ALFA Romeo turned glamour and style up to the max with the show debut of the landmark MiTo.

Although the S-MAX and...

Although the S-MAX and Galaxy people carriers have already been launched, the platform-sharing Mondeo line-up arrives next year with a range of four-door, five-door and estate bodystyles on offer.

A new Spiderman-inspired...

A new Spiderman-inspired weapon is being used to close the web on car criminals.

AppleтЂ™s iPhone has...

AppleтЂ™s iPhone has made such an impact, itтЂ™s no surprise that other products тЂ“ like sat-navs тЂ“ are copying its multi-touch interface. In Issue 1,044, we tried NavmanтЂ™s iPhone-inspired S100. And now, the companyтЂ™s higher-spec S300T has arrived.

As you can see, the...

As you can see, the new model"s rear is characterised by large light clusters and aggressive cooling vents. A small lip spoiler and centrally mounted twin exhaust pipes add to the striking look, while the pictures also show the sports car has a practical hatchback too.

A ВЈ2.3 billion support...

A ВЈ2.3 billion support package for the UKрЂ™s ailing car industry has been unveiled by Business Secretary Lord Mandelson.

Blend Seventies style...

Blend Seventies style and modern reliability as you beat the jams on one of VespaтЂ™s new S scooters. They pay homage to the brandтЂ™s classic products, but are designed to withstand the rigours of modern motoring.

BMW has tested a new...

BMW has tested a new kind of hybrid which uses boiling water to boost power and improve fuel consumption. Called Turbosteamer, it works via a heat exchanger which extracts most of the energy from the 800 degree Centigrade emissions gases before they leave the exhaust pipe.

British manufacturer...

British manufacturer Morgan is traditionally associated with sports cars featuring wooden framed bodywork. So you wouldn’t expect it to have produced this hydrogen-powered machine.

Built with the backing...

Built with the backing of Audi, the hardcore road-legal machine was origчinally tipped to wear the famous four-ringed badge. But instead, it will cash in on the thrill-seeking image of the Austrian motorbike specialist. Under the bonnet is the 2.0-litre TFSI turbocharged powerplant used in Audi"s S3. This drives the rear wheels, and with the KTM tipping the scales at less than 700kg, it promises a 0-62mph sprint time of under four seconds.

But DR is an international...

But DR is an international project. It looks astonishingly similar to the original Toyota RAV4, and just like that model, it comes in three and five-door layouts. However, the DR is designed and built in Italy. The firm, based between Naples and Rome, buys the chassis and running gear from Chinese motor maker Gonow, then builds its own bodies and interiors. The car gets its power from Fiat"s 1.9-litre Multijet diesel.

But this wasn"t the...

But this wasn"t the case for Audi engineers putting their latest model through its paces in the US, exclusively caught by our spy photographers in this week"s magazine. They tried obscuring the exhaust instead! Bosses at the German maker haven"t confirmed that a sporty version of the A8 flagship saloon will be offered, but this is the first time it"s ever been seen featuring four pipes at the back, which is a trademark of the brand"s S models. The only other vehicles in the current line-up with the tell-tale design cue are S variants of the A4.

Car manufacturers donтЂ™t...

Car manufacturers donтЂ™t come any crazier than Swiss firm Rinspeed, and itтЂ™s pulled out all the stops for its home motor show in Geneva. Called the iChange, this unique concept claims to be the only car in the world that adapts according to the number of passengers on board. At the push of a button, the rear of the one-seater sports car transforms to create enough space for three.

Caught out on its first...

Caught out on its first photoshoot in New York, the four-door saloon seen here is the production-ready version of the Fusion, a model for the US market, which will be officially unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in January.

cleaninG your car with...

cleaninG your car with a bucket and sponge is time-consuming and wastes water. But with a pressure washer such as this flagship HP2000 from Halfords, you can rinse your bodywork quickly and economically.

Czech firm Skoda expects...

Czech firm Skoda expects excellence for its new Superb. With striking looks and plenty of kit, the new range-topper is set to go head to head with the all-conquering Ford Mondeo.

David Coulthard (image)...

David Coulthard (image) was seventh, when a driveshaft broke. Team-mate Mark Webber then retired from a points-paying position five laps later with gearbox trouble.

Destined to slot in...

Destined to slot in between future versions of the Z and the powerhouse GT-R, the newcomer will aim to combine the best elements of both its siblings. That means the style and usability of the former, plus the superb grip and handling of the latter.

DIY breathalyser machines...

DIY breathalyser machines are to be introduced to city centre car parks across Britain in a bid to combat drink-driving.

Dremel’s latest...

Dremel’s latest product, the Multi-Vise, allows you to work hands-free in your garage – so we put it through its paces.

Due on sale in September...

Due on sale in September from ?11,750, entry-level versions of the Korean estate will have a 1.6-litre four-cylinder 113bhp engine.

Ecologically sound living...

Ecologically sound living is currently at the forefront of our minds, and Ecover hopes to extend that into car valeting with its new тЂgreenтЂ™ products.

Extra kit available for new Impreza

Fans of VWтЂ™s Passat...

Fans of VWтЂ™s Passat CC are in for a special treat. The Gold Coast special edition is not like any other VW. Revealed at this yearтЂ™s Pebble Beach Concours dтЂ™Elegance car show, the special edition CC has been designed with the American market in mind. And the performance based versions aim is to boost the PassatтЂ™s US profile where it is aiming to obtain a large percentage of future sales.

Featuring a unique paint...

Featuring a unique paint job and more kit than the standard car, the 225bhp hatchback is sure to be a hit - but what badge it will wear has yet to be confirmed. Ford is in negotiations over the use of the Le Mans name.

Featuring round headlights...

Featuring round headlights and soft, Fifties-style curves, the LC looks as if it"s driven straight out of a Noddy cartoon. And the cute packaging continues in-side, with bright red tartan-checked cloth seating and a retro-look dashboard.

Fiddly fixings and fasteners...

Fiddly fixings and fasteners can prove frustrating unless you have a set of screw-drivers with sizes to fit them all – such as those in Kamasa’s precision kit.

Following the shock...

Following the shock news that the current 307 had the worst reliability of any model in this year"s Auto Express Driver Power survey (issue 902), its replacement can"t come soon enough. Throughout the car"s development, the emphasis will be firmly on quality and durability.

Ford has beefed up its...

Ford has beefed up its rugged Ranger pick-up, and both trims are now available with a new 154bhp 3.0-litre diesel engine.

Form an orderly Q тЂ“...

Form an orderly Q тЂ“ AudiтЂ™s biggest SUV has been given a host of updates! As well as a facelift, the latest Q7 gets a more efficient diesel engine.

For the off-road fan...

For the off-road fan, there is the Desert Gator (far right) which loves to jump and ‘fly’. It has a tough plastic chassis and is well balanced – ideal for challenging surfaces. Eighties favourite the Vanessa’s Lunch Box van (left) has been updated, with an electronic speed controller for fine throttle adjustment and improved suspension.

For value for money...

For value for money, it’s hard to beat the new Citroen C5. The French firm has announced that prices will start at less than чЈ16,000.

FROM Auto Express to...

FROM Auto Express to sporty excess! This open-topped supercar has been unveiled by ultra-exclusive Italian maker Bizzarrini тЂ“ and itтЂ™s designed by someone who used to work for this magazine.

Fuel rationing might...

Fuel rationing might sound extreme тЂ“ but thatтЂ™s the planet-saving idea one Parliamentary group thinks we should adopt.

Given how harsh their...

Given how harsh their winters can be, drivers in Scandinavia demand cleaning products that cut through the dirt quickly and easily. And thatтЂ™s just what this new car cleaning brush does.

Government ministers...

Government ministers nearly trebled their parking fine bill last year тЂ“ leaving hard-pressed taxpayers to pick up the tab.

Has Hummer had its day?...

Has Hummer had its day? Sales of the all-American companyтЂ™s models have slumped by nearly one-third, as US buyers lose their appetites for supersized cars. And bosses at owner General Motors have now officially confirmed HummerтЂ™s future hangs in the balance.

Here are the official...

Here are the official pictures of the car that Ford said it would never build. We predicted a Mondeo ST would make production in 2006, and here it is тЂ“ in all but name.

Here are the tantalising...

Here are the tantalising first official shots of the new Dodge Challenger. Brimming with retro appeal, they are sure to make followers of the legend’s rebirth even more excited.

Here is the picture...

Here is the picture which shows that VauxhallтЂ™s new Meriva is a тЂglassтЂ™ act!

Here’s the Mazda...

Here’s the Mazda -2... doors, that is. The three-door variant of the company’s supermini is launched this month, offering a much sleeker look than the five-door hatchback.

However, although one...

However, although one Chinese model has been stopped in its tracks, there"s still an invasion on the way - and not all the vehicles are European copies

In yet another pre-Paris...

In yet another pre-Paris Motor Show leak, these images of the Audi A1 Sportback concept surfaced online only hours before the car was due to be officially unveiled!

It claims its new Avant-Garde...

It claims its new Avant-Garde Eyewear will revolutionise vision for motorists, and it was trialled by the Peugeot team in the recent Le Mans 24 Hours race – the ultimate physical driving test.

It is guaranteed to...

It is guaranteed to keep your passengers entertained on long journeys with its array of functions. Not only can you use the Vision Pro 7985 to show movies on DVD, but if you specify the optional analogue and DVB tuner, you will be able to receive television and FM radio programmes, too.

It looks like the Corsa...

It looks like the Corsa is rising to the occasion! These are the best spy shots yet of the Luton-based firm"s new small 4x4, which we"ve snapped undergoing testing in the Arctic Circle.

It"s 25 years since...

It"s 25 years since Saab first launched its Convertible and to mark the occasion the Swedish car maker is bringing out a Special Edition version of the 9-3. Debuting at next week"s Los Angeles Motor Show, the new Saab Convertible will be displayed in a unique bright champagne metallic colour to draw attention from the American public.

It"s a hole in one for...

It"s a hole in one for the new Volkswagen Golf, as it has been awarded the maximum five stars in European safety tests.

It"s all go for the...

It"s all go for the 911! Not only has tuning firm RUF launched its latest high-performance version of the famous Porsche sports car, but weтЂ™ve also spied an electric hybrid model.

It"s called Park Assist...

It"s called Park Assist Stop (PAS), and uses ultrasonic technology to judge how near the vehicle is to an object front or rear, just like normal sensors. However, the new device has one important difference - rather than simply sounding an alarm when you are getting close, it automatically applies the car"s brakes. Dan Need from Bosch UK explained: "Sometimes people ignore the warning sounds of current sensors, hoping to get a few extra millimetres closer and end up reversing too far, having a bump. This system prevents this by applying the brakes. Also, current parking sensors are no help if you accidentally slip and press the throttle too hard. Our set-up stops that as well."

ItтЂ™ll be Micras to...

ItтЂ™ll be Micras to the max this Monday! A 25-strong motorcade of NissanтЂ™s baby will be travelling the 300-mile journey from the companyтЂ™s UK plant in Sunderland to LondonтЂ™s ExCeL arena for the British International Motor Show.

Just look what BMW has...

Just look what BMW has under wraps for the Frankfurt Motor Show!

Kia has bared its Soul...

Kia has bared its Soul at last! These are the first offical pictures of the new compact car, which will go into battle with Nissan"s Note and Honda"s Jazz later this year. As you can see, the production version gets the same chunky styling as the trio of Soul concepts thatтЂ™ll be at the British Motor Show next week.

Kia is shining a ray...

Kia is shining a ray of light on the Chicago Show! The Korean manufacturer has released this teaser illustration of an all-new concept set to debut at the Chicago Motor Show next month.

“I’m not...

“I’m not going anywhere. I’m staying here,” said the Englishman, who posted his first top 10 starting position of what’s been a troubled season, and then finished 11th.

Leading tool firm Black...

Leading tool firm Black & Decker has launched a raft of automotive accessories recently, from power invertors to a 12V cool box. Now it has turned its attention to hand tools, and applied its expertise to the new Auto Wrench.

Look closely at our...

Look closely at our first official picture of Vauxhall"s revised hatchback family favourite, and you will see a brand new front bumper, along with extra brightwork on the grille and fresh light clusters. The model will also feature new tail-lamps, while three-door Sport Hatch models wear a fashionable honeycomb grille.

Meet the most practical...

Meet the most practical Maserati ever – it’s an estate version of the Quattroporte. But you won’t find this in your local showroom, as the car is a one-off project that’s been commissioned by a Middle Eastern businessman whose identity is a secret.

Mercedes is planning...

Mercedes is planning its cleverest Smarts yet and we have the pictures to prove it. Captured by our eagle-eyed spies, these images show a mule of the next-generation Fortwo city car carrying out some hot-weather tests in the south of France.

Mercedes mini ML is...

Mercedes mini ML is go! Auto Express has the first official pictures of the all new GLK, which is revealed tomorrow at the Beijing Motor Show.

Merging the letters...

Merging the letters ST with TDCi would have been unheard of a few years ago. However, following the success of the previous-generation VW Golf GT TDI, the blue oval is keen to create a racy flagship version of its family favourite.

Motorists who use high-energy...

Motorists who use high-energy drinks to stay alert behind the wheel are as dangerous to other road users as drunk drivers, according to a new study. And teenagers, sales reps and truckers are among the worst offenders, the AA has told Auto Express.

Nearly чЈ1million of...

Nearly чЈ1million of public money is being “wasted” by the Governчment on hybrid vehicles, it was claimed this week.

New cars trump their...

New cars trump their predecessors when it comes to being environmentally friendly, says the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). A study by the organisation shows today’s motors are more efficient and less polluting, despite being heavier than their ancestors.

Of most concern to Safe...

Of most concern to Safe Speed are the figures on speed cameras: the number of speeding offences detected by camera are up by 6%, but the number detected by police is down by 29%.

On the outside, the...

On the outside, the car gets subtle styling changes to distance it from the Golf. A revised front grille and bumper, a crease down the sides and the raised back end all help give a more classy appearance. The MkV Golf was much criticised for being too conservative compared with its predecessor, but the Bora is a bigger step forward over the current model. Underneath, the newcomer uses the hatchback"s sophisticated suspension, which will provide superior handling and ride.

Our picture shows how...

Our picture shows how the undisguised V10 hybrid prototype coupнѓ© will look. If the company, based in Daventry, Northants, can secure funding, the 2+2 will go on sale next year costing around н‚бЈ35,000. A spokeswoman said: "We are in discussions with interested parties at the moment." The 2.1-litre petrol powerplant was designed in-house, and works in tandem with an electric motor to provide 188bhp. The engine has already undergone independent testing at Millbrook Proving Ground, Bedfordshire, where insiders tell us it exceeded Connaught"s expectations.

Our picture shows how...

Our picture shows how the dashboard taps into classic Alfa design cues to create a functional yet stylish interior that has clearly been inspired by the company"s models from the Sixties.

Our spy photographers...

Our spy photographers captured the new executive saloon being put through its paces during winter testчing to bring you this first picture.

Performing a vehicle...

Performing a vehicle history check is one of the first precautions to take when buying any used car – and the cost of making one just got even lower. Motorists can now carry out a Car Data Check for only чЈ5, thanks to the RAC.

Priced at чЈ79, it’s...

Priced at чЈ79, it’s one of the cheapest ways to get yourself into the driving seat of a rally car. But is it worth the money? We went to the Northampton venue to find out.

Q I"ve paid a deposit...

Q I"ve paid a deposit for a new Rover, but now I"ve changed my mind. Can I get my money back?

Research by leading...

Research by leading cover provider Prudential shows drivers aren"t heeding insurers" warnings that taking the blame at the roadside after a crash can jeopardise any claim they make. The study also found that people often apologised in order to diffuse the situation or avoid police involvement.

Reviving one of the...

Reviving one of the brand’s famous badges, the newcomer has the same look as the flagship supermini, but a bit less performance. It uses the VXR’s 1.6-litre turbo engine, albeit detuned from 189bhp to 148bhp. Yet that’s still enough for 0-60mph in only 7.6 seconds and a 130mph top speed.

SAAB has revealed an...

SAAB has revealed an all-new model тЂ“ and itтЂ™s a breath of fresh air! Called the 9-X Air, it marks a radical reinvention of the traditional convertible.

Sat-nav systems are...

Sat-nav systems are cramming more and more into their ever-smaller packages. And the latest range from guidance expert Garmin is no different.

SEAT has announced pricing...

SEAT has announced pricing and specification details for its new Exeo saloon. Available in April, the car will cost from ВЈ17,740 - and will be offered in S, SE, Sport and range-topping SE Lux trim levels.

SEMA is the world"s...

SEMA is the world"s largest expo for tuners and modifiers, and more than 100,000 fans packed the four-day event.

Skoda is about to go...

Skoda is about to go head-to-head with parent company VW. The Czech brand will expand its range to include a pair of practical new models.

Spied during development...

Spied during development testing, the new luxury car will have an advantage over rivals thanks to hybrid power and an innovative collision avoidance system.

SRT, which stands for...

SRT, which stands for Street and Racing Technology, is Chrysler"s in-house tuning arm and until now, its

Styling changes to the...

Styling changes to the car include new bumpers, a fresh grille and dark-tinted headlamps and tail-lights. Inside, there"s a reworked centre console, clad in titanium-style material, and softer upholstery on the door armrests.

Take a front-on look...

Take a front-on look at the Pontiac G8 - which made its debut at the recent Chicago Motor Show. The all-American brand"s new high-performance saloon won"t be coming to the UK, but British buyers needn"t feel dejected.

Take a look at these exclusive pictures

That is the claim of...

That is the claim of General Motors" global product development vice chairman Bob Lutz, who revealed exclusive details about the joint project with BMW and DaimlerChrysler at the New York Motor Show.

That"s the view of transport...

That"s the view of transport experts who say there"s a "recipe for disaster" looming should the Euro-style road signs be adopted, as suggested, in the next five years. The UK Metric Association (UKMA) is pushing for the abolition of imperial miles and yards on Britain"s 1.5 million road signs in a new report, claiming there would be many benefits in converting to metres and kilometres. The group has listed examples such as the easier calculation of fuel economy and uniformity with other EU nations as key reasons for undertaking the чЈ80m scheme.

That"s where it took...

That"s where it took the wraps off the KND-4 Concept - the first model to preview the manufacturer"s new styling dubbed Designology.

The 10th incarnation...

The 10th incarnation of the fast four-door will become more distinctive, thanks to the aggressive nose and headlamps influenced by the Grandis MPV. However, rally fans will be pleased to see the trademark rear spoiler has been kept to emphasise the car"s racing roots.

The 2005 and 2006 champion...

The 2005 and 2006 champion has quit the team run by his family to join Vauxhall, where he’ll line up alongside newly crowned champion Fabrizio Giovanardi in 2008.

The 2CV is back and...

The 2CV is back and here are the best pictures yet! Images of Citroen"s new concept car, called the Revolte, have been leaked onto the internet ahead of its worldwide debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The American tuning...

The American tuning firm Saleen has unveiled a new supercar, aimed at the likes of the Porsche 911 and Audi R8.

The bold styling is...

The bold styling is a statement of SuzukiтЂ™s intention to move upmarket

The car, full name Concept...

The car, full name Concept Ocean Drive, is a luxurious four-door S-Class-size cabrio.

The Cayenne S Transsyberia...

The Cayenne S Transsyberia will be launched at next monthтЂ™s Paris Motor Show тЂ“ complete with more power and an unmissable visual makeover. ItтЂ™s based on the Cayenne S, and under the bonnet, the 4.8-litre V8 has been tuned to match that of the GTS. So power rises 20bhp to a hefty 400bhp тЂ“ enough to propel the big off-roader from 0-60mph in only 6.1 seconds and on to 156mph.

The clever lamps boost...

The clever lamps boost road safety and save money, because they know exactly when they"re needed and when they can switch off. The smart posts outshine their 20th century predecessors with technology including sensors that detect traffic - they"re dim when there are no cars, but brighten as soon as vehicles approach. They can also sense the weather and make driving safer by shining more brightly when visibility is reduced, even during the day.

The Coventry plant...

The Coventry plant, where the 206 is made, has been the subject of much political manoeuvring in the past few years. A чЈ14.4m Government grant was offered in 2004 to help attract the production of new models, but the offer was not accepted, leading ultimately to the decision to close the plant this week.

The Department for Transport...

The Department for Transport (DfT) has decided it won"t change the rules about allowing learner drivers on to motorways as part of their training.

The exclusive information...

The exclusive information from our Italian sources is that the next hatchback will bear the badge, previously seen on three-door models, as Fiat believes it has a strong image with buyers. Set to debut at the Paris Motor Show in September, the newcomer will go on sale in the UK in five-door form in early 2007, with a three-door, also called Bravo, to follow.

The firm is better known...

The firm is better known for its speed camera locators, and this is the first time it has launched into another market.

The Formula One racers...

The Formula One racers are on their summer break, but the action behind the scenes is continuing at full throttle. Honda has revealed it is hoping to sign two-time world champion Fernando Alonso for 2009. In a deal believed to be worth ТЈ7.6million, the Spaniard would line up alongside Jenson Button, replacing Rubens Barrichello.

The green light is being...

The green light is being given to thrifty motoring, with the introduction of a new dashboard-mounted lamp - and it could feature on Toyчota"s Corolla replacement.

The impressive new Renaultsport...

The impressive new Renaultsport Clio 197 hits showrooms next month рЂ“ and that means the original hot Clios are causing a stir secondhand.

The latest Volkswagen...

The latest Volkswagen Golf GTI has plenty of grip – and that’s just from its seats! As this picture shows, the upholstery of the new Pirelli model features a rubber tread pattern to hold you firmly in place.

The legendary McLaren...

The legendary McLaren F1 set the benchmark for being the fastest in March 1998, at a mighty 240.14mph. But then in February, a Koenigsegg CCR took the crown during testing at the Nardo circuit in Italy, nudging the record to 240.387mph. But now that figure has been well and truly shattered.

The Meriva is baring...

The Meriva is baring all! Our spies have captured the best shots yet of Vauxhall"s compact MPV - the car that"s doing everything it can to stand out from the competition.

The move comes just...

The move comes just a week after Renault revealed it was bringing back the long-forgotten Campus badge for its Clio.

The original Talex was...

The original Talex was a regular star performer in Auto Express speed trap locator tests, before the firm hit trouble in 2007.

The production-ready...

The production-ready model was shown at the firm’s research centre in South Korea, ahead of its public debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January. As well as Mercedes CLS-style headlamps, the newcomer wears a Bentley-inspired winged badge on the bonnet.

The Qashqai had better...

The Qashqai had better watch out! Peugeot has confirmed a model based on its Prologue concept, seen at this yearтЂ™s Paris Motor Show, will go on sale here by the end of 2009.

There’s disappointment...

There’s disappointment ahead for UK muscle car fans – the next Dodge Challenger isn’t coming here after all. The new owner of the US brand, Cerberus Capital Management, has decided to ditch plans for transatlantic sales.

There"s heavy cladding...

There"s heavy cladding at the rear to hide its identity, but the bonnet reveals this is no ordinary prototype. With a sporty bulge and an air intake similar to that of the Cooper S hatch, there"s a rather special powerplant under the hood.

The savings could be...

The savings could be Astra-nomical! Vauxhall has launched a version of its hatchback which is eligible for ВЈ35 annual VED рЂ“ and falls into the lowest tax band for business users. The new ecoFLEX emits 119g/km of CO2, placing it below the upper threshold for road tax band B and putting it into the lowest benefit-in-kind group for company car drivers. The engine produces 111bhp, which is 10bhp more than the current 1.7 CDTI, and 260Nm of torque. ItрЂ™s capable of 117mph, yet returns 68.2mpg on the combined cycle.

These are the first...

These are the first shots of the newcomer, which will debut at next week"s Frankfurt Motor Show. Consigning straight lines and boxy design to the past, Mazda bosses say the Sassou is inspired by thin Japanese sliding screens - Shoji.

The secretive Yeti is...

The secretive Yeti is about to come out of hiding тЂ“ as SkodaтЂ™s super-cool new SUV will go on sale here in just over a yearтЂ™s time.

The secret of this British...

The secret of this British performance success lies under the scooped bonnet, where a quad-turbo 6.0-litre V10 produces 1,175bhp. Acceleration promises to be devastating - a 0-60mph figure of 2.6 seconds is claimed, with power being driven through two huge rear wheels. Using special aluminium and composite construction, the two-seater weighs in at only 1,300kg - making it much lighter than most family cars. The bodywork and engine are the work of British engineer Al Melling, whose previous efforts include the AJPV8 and straight-six units used by struggling sports car maker TVR.

The shots reveal the...

The shots reveal the new-look nose, which is inspired by the 9X concept first shown at the German exhibition four years ago. The angular lines are far more aggressive than the current model"s, but designers have not gone overboard with the revisions, in order to avoid alienating conservative buyers.

The sophisticated projection...

The sophisticated projection system has been squeezed into a device so small it will fit into the slimmest dash unit of the most compact models.

The sporty coupe is...

The sporty coupe is an adaption of Audi’s Nuvolari concept car. The show car was on display at the Geneva Motor Show in spring 2003 and our photos confirm that the new coupe will be considerably larger than the current A4, actually almost the size of today’s A6.

The square styling is...

The square styling is causing a real stir in home country Japan and the US, according to the company. And now the Materia is UK-bound with a specially tuned chassis for Europe. This is aimed to give it a smoother ride with reduced body roll, despite the model’s high stance.

The ST isnтЂ™t the only...

The ST isnтЂ™t the only Ka on the way тЂ“ a convertible is coming, too! The new Ka drop-top arrives in showrooms in 12 months, and will lock horns with the recently announced Fiat 500 cabriolet. But while the Italian model uses a lightweight, canvas roof, Ford insiders say the firm will engineer a folding hard-top using the lessons learned from the Focus CC.

The UK is getting ready...

The UK is getting ready to go "to Infiniti and beyond" as Nissan"s luxury car brand opens its first showroom in the UK.

The waiting is finally...

The waiting is finally over! There are the first official pictures of the eagerly anticipated Nissan 370Z coupé. Due to be revealed at this monthтЂ™s Los Angeles Motor Show, the model will replace the firmтЂ™s popular 350Z when it goes on sale next year.

This amazing machine...

This amazing machine is the work of Dutch coachbuilder Vandenbrink Design, and shows how an estate version of the firm’s 612 Scaglietti could look.

This Approved Mileage...

This Approved Mileage Allowчance Payment (AMAP), set by HM Revчenue and Customs (HMRC), is meant to compensate motorists for fuel, servicing and other driving costs.

This is the first official...

This is the first official picture of Kia"s new production-ready cee"d SW, the model that takes centre stage on the Korean firm"s Geneva Motor Show stand next month.

This means it can easily...

This means it can easily show a map view and junction graphics simultaneously. And you get more information on screen, such as arrival time and distance to go, leaving plenty of room for route instructions. The C520T comes loaded with mapping for 22 European countries. It also provides jam-spotting updates from the Traffic Message Channel (TMC), so drivers can pick alternative routes to avoid delays. Handily, the information is broadcast throughout Europe.

This week"s magazine...

This week"s magazine has the first pictures of the cars, developed with the help of information smuggled out of the German company"s HQ. Both are based on a revised A4 platform, and the styling has been inspired by the Nuvolari concept, which wowed the crowds at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show.

To date, the 25-year-old...

To date, the 25-year-old Dutchman has been the team’s test driver. Now, he will line up alongside David Coul?thard in China, Japan and Brazil.

Toyota and the National...

Toyota and the National Slot car Collectors Club (NSCC) are joining forces to stage the UK’s largest ever slot car rally. The event will run like a real rally, against the clock over multiple stages on different surfaces.

Undercutting the competition...

Undercutting the competition on cost was clearly the blue oval"s intention, because the basic model costs н‚бЈ1,500 less than Vauxhall"s Astra VXR and is an astonishing н‚бЈ2,500 cheaper than the comparable Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Using a modified version...

Using a modified version of the 197bhp 2.0-litre FSI turbo from the VW Golf GTI, the S3 pumps out 265bhp and a storming 350Nm of torque.

Variations in glass...

Variations in glass size and the alcoholic content of wine are being blamed for a sharp rise in the number of women charged with drink-driving.

Volvo is being crystal...

Volvo is being crystal clear about its future line-up. The Swedish firm has released a teaser shot of its S60 concept ahead of its debut at next monthтЂ™s Detroit Motor Show.

We can reveal exactly...

We can reveal exactly how the German firm"s latest interpretation of its legendary performance car - caught winter testing by our spy photographers - will look when it goes on sale next year. At the front, the newcomer adopts the circular headlights of the 997-series Porsches, although it loses the ungainly large air ducts sported by the current-generation Turbo.

We predicted a quiet...

We predicted a quiet autumn for sales staff, and the first official statistics for September back up this claim. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), this September was the slowest for used car sales in the past six years. In all, 627,104 second-hand vehicles found homes in the month – compared to 657,827 in 2006 and 654,228 the year before.

We put Flash Dash through...

We put Flash Dash through its paces by spreading grease, dried orange juice and ground-in chocolate on our trim. Our test factored in how much time and effort was needed to remove the dirt from the plastics.

What do you do if youтЂ™re...

What do you do if youтЂ™re unhappy with the look of your favourite sports car? Design your own.

What is it?

While this E-Class...

While this E-Class, seen at last week"s Detroit Motor Show, may look like a regular saloon, under the bonnet is BLUETEC - Mercedes" latest clean diesel engine technology. On sale later this year in the 3.0-litre V6 E320 CDI, the system features not only a particulate filter capable of reducing harmful emissions by up to 98 per cent, but also a clever catalytic converter.