Motorsport

Motorsport

A car for less than...

A car for less than the price of a TV! That’s the eye catching claim being made by Hyundai about its cut-price Amica.

A clever new option...

A clever new option on the Audi A3 Cabriolet should make parking a breeze. Not only does the Parallel Parking Assist software inform the driver if a space is suitable, it then manoeuvres the car into it automatically for you.

American firm ASC created...

American firm ASC created the drop-top, but it has been designed without the approval of Chrysler. However, a good reaction from the firm"s top brass could see it reach limited production.

And as it"s never one...

And as it"s never one to miss a trick, BMW has responded to this by launching an even more affordable diesel, which will hit showrooms in the UK in April. Offering 115bhp and 280Nm of torque from its 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit, the new 318d is aimed at high-mileage drivers who put fuel economy and low emissions at the top of their wish lists.

And bosses suggested...

And bosses suggested that the coupнѓ© - unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show - could be as easy to drive as a computer car. The company"s head of planning and design, Carlos Tavares, told us: "This is a supercar for the masses. It will be fun to drive and simple for novices to handle. But skilled drivers will still be able to push themselves."

A report from the Ministry...

A report from the Ministry of Justice shows that speeding accounts for 40 per cent of all driving violations.

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.

As we’ve come...

As we’ve come to expect from the top-end producer, it sets a high standard, combining performance with design.

Audi fans enjoyed a...

Audi fans enjoyed a duo of world premieres today at its show stand as the German brand unveiled its facelifted A6 and the first showing of the RS6 saloon at the Moscow Motor Show.

Auto Express was the...

Auto Express was the first magazine to drive this very car - chassis number one - in issue 679. And that"s why owner John Parradine, of Market Rasen, Lincs, called us with news of the sale. His dream of building 12 cars a year, and selling them for н‚бЈ150,000 each, has been consigned to history. "I gave up when VW bought Lamborghini. Small manufacturers like me can"t compete when the big boys get involved," he explained.

Based almost entirely...

Based almost entirely on the current Lotus Elise, the car will be powered by a 2.0-litre engine tuned by the Norfolk firm, mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Performance is expected to be similar to that of the original Vauxhall VX220.

BMWтЂ™S all-new 5 is...

BMWтЂ™S all-new 5 is alive! Despite wearing a psychedelic disguise, the car in our picture still reveals the next executive modelтЂ™s new foglamps, aluminium wheels and more sculpted bonnet.

Breakdown insurer Warranty...

Breakdown insurer Warranty Direct compiled the report on its 55,000 car database based on figures over the past decade of how much time each kind of car has spent off the road.

Brought in as part of...

Brought in as part of new Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s “need for change”, Ms Kelly was most recently in charge of the Community portfolio.

But if you think that...

But if you think that sounds expensive, Auto Express can reveal UK motorists paid н‚бЈ110million-plus in speeding fines last year. The shocking figure is revealed in Britain"s first-ever official guide to where the cameras are sited, free with this issue.

But we"ve learned that...

But we"ve learned that a showroom model is definitely on the way. A Peu-geot insider said: "The car has had a great reception. People love its combination of practicality and hot hatch ap-peal. Signing it off for production looks to be a mere formality."

Cadillac fans were treated...

Cadillac fans were treated to a shock new arrival at the Detroit Motor Show, as the firm unveiled a new luxury coupé, the electric Converj.

Called the Tandem -...

Called the Tandem - because the driver and passenger ride in line - it"s being developed by Volvo. The layout has been chosen because the Swedish company believes the future will be geared around narrow cars that can make the most of lane space on congested commuter routes.

Car hire renters Sixt...

Car hire renters Sixt have published the list to help its customers avoid the worst delays. UK sales head Beverley Oliver says they don"t want to see renters "spending hours in lengthy traffic jams instead of enjoying the time away from work".

Car makers are letting...

Car makers are letting safety slide when it comes to superminis, crash test experts claim.

Car makers are so keen...

Car makers are so keen to go green, even the horsepower-crazy German tuning houses are getting in on the act!

Check out this teaser...

Check out this teaser image of the most muscular Ford Mustang yet. Bosses at the Blue Oval will unveil the special model at next month"s Los Angeles show.

ч Not according to the...

ч Not according to the Departчment for Transport. It has voiced "serious safety concerns" about the electric model, as it doesn"t meet safety standards used to judge mainstream motors.

Comfortable children...

Comfortable children travel quieter. But keeping a growing family in car seats can be an expensive business.

Conceived as a mobile...

Conceived as a mobile working environment for scientists, geologists and adventurers, the Terranaut is designed for the most challenging environments on the planet. Its cabin carries three people - a driver, passenger and scientist working in a rear lab or computer room. It will feature a computer console, as well as communications and analysis kit.

Cue Kia"s new SUV, called...

Cue Kia"s new SUV, called the Kue. Making its world debut at the Detroit Motor Show, the fresh crossover is every bit as dramatic as Range Rover"s Stormer, which appeared at the American expo back in 2004

Design guru Gordon Murray...

Design guru Gordon Murray has released details of his latest project. And itтЂ™s the complete opposite of his most famous work тЂ“ the record-breaking McLaren F1 supercar.

Drivers can switch on...

Drivers can switch on with this latest hybrid – a Toyota Prius you can plug in. The Japanese company is the first major car manufacturer to launch this latest development of eco-friendly motoring.

Drivers wanting maximum...

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

Dutch supercar builder...

Dutch supercar builder Spyker has launched a new model to celebrate its association with the legendary Le Mans endurance race.ч

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?

Ever watched a grand...

Ever watched a grand prix backmarker and reckoned you could do better? Well, this is your chance to see if you"ve got what it takes, as we have teamed up with Uniroyal for the third year running to turn rookies into racers. And this time we have put together the biggest package yet, with five winners joining us in our Uniroyal Team Challenge Beetle clone for up to three races in the series.

Ferrari is opening up...

Ferrari is opening up about its future plans! Prancing horse chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo has confirmed that a convertible version of the already stunning 458 Italia is on the way.

Filling stations in...

Filling stations in the UK could soon have plug-in тЂpumpsтЂ™ to top up electric cars.

First up are two fresh...

First up are two fresh versions of the MG ZR. The Trophy and Trophy SE join Britain"s best-selling hot hatch line-up this month as part of a revamped range. Both get the flagship ZR 160"s side skirts and reprofiled rear bumper, but not the 157bhp engine.

Following last weekтЂ™s...

Following last weekтЂ™s first official shots of the new 149, we can now reveal the latest picture of the firmтЂ™s funky new hatchback, due out in 2008.

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 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.

Gate-crashing into the...

Gate-crashing into the limelight currently enjoyed by the R8 supercar, this TT with a difference is called the Clubsport quattro, and is powered by a 2.0-litre 260bhp turbocharged engine.

Going green could soon...

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

Green highlights on...

Green highlights on the plan denote models not yet announced, and the cute four-seater is set in to appear in 2007. It"s described as a new A-segment vehicle - the industry code for a city car - and the badge is added in brackets. Inspired by the Trepiuno concept from 2004"s Geneva Motor Show, the three-door will be built at the firm"s Tychy plant in Poland.

Here"s a car maker that’s...

Here"s a car maker that’s on a roll! It’s one of the most expensive new models built in the UK, but the Rolls-Royce Coupé has been such a hit, the entire production quota for the year has been sold in a week.

Honda may not be making...

Honda may not be making an appearance at this yearтЂ™s Frankfurt Motor Show, but that hasnтЂ™t stop the Japanese firm from making big plans for September.

Hospital parking fees...

Hospital parking fees could soon be axed for in-patients across England, according to the Government.

If Renault’s new...

If Renault’s new roadster is really going to trouble the MX-5, it will need to match its opponent’s famed build quality. And that won’t be easy – because the Japanese model has finished top in a reliability study of 450,000 convertibles.

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 donтЂ™t have...

If you donтЂ™t have a garage in which to work on your motor in bad weather, the new Touchless Car Cover from More Than Polish is the ideal solution. Looking like a pop-up tent, it claims to protect both you and your vehicle from dust, dirt, rain and wind.

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.

If you thought Hummer...

If you thought Hummer owners were skulking around in their super-sized off-road monsters, youтЂ™d be wrong.

If youтЂ™re left stranded...

If youтЂ™re left stranded at the side of the road, you can bet that you wonтЂ™t have the correct kit to fix the problem. But this new Kelvin.23 Multitool should have all the bases covered.

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.

Is Citroen about to...

Is Citroen about to resurrect the DS badge? Rumours have been circulating on the internet that the French firm will re-launch the famous name on a range of luxurious models.В

Is the next Rolls Royce...

Is the next Rolls Royce just a glorified 7-series? These new spies of the тЂbabyтЂ™ Roller indicate that the firmтЂ™s cars are coming closer than ever to those of its parent company, BMW.

Is this the car that...

Is this the car that could replace the Toyota MR2? ItтЂ™s a two-seater coupé called the 2000 SR.

Is this the key to never...

Is this the key to never getting lost? The Freedom Keychain GPS SiRF III may have a big name, but it’s the most compact sat-nav receiver in the world – and it’s small enough to attach to a car’s keyfob. It uses Bluetooth technology and can connect with smart mobile phones and PDAs to provide location data for their navigation software.

Is this the most expensive...

Is this the most expensive car ever sold? The answer is almost certainly yes, if auction house Christie"s has its way. The rare GP racer from Audi goes under the hammer this weekend - and is expected to reach чЈ7.88million.

Italian scooter giant...

Italian scooter giant Piaggio continues to push the twist and go boundaries. It pioneered the three-wheeler with its MP3 тЂ“ and now, it has squeezed an 839cc V-twin into a maxi-scooter frame.

It looks like a pocket...

It looks like a pocket calculator and is wired into the ignition circuit. Before the driver can start the vehicle, they must watch the LCD screen, which asks them to enter a sequence of numbers within five seconds. It can also get them to operate controls such as the clutch and indicators in a certain order. If they complete the task correctly, the car will fire up. But if they make a mistake, they may be asked to try a new exercise. The engine will not start if they fail repeatedly.

It looks like tuner...

It looks like tuner Ralliart is downsizing! Mitsubishi’s official performance division has worked its magic on the Colt – and this is the result.

It’s time for...

It’s time for a change! The MINI ‘cuckoo’ clock – part of the maker’s range of cool accessories – has been given a facelift to coincide with the arrival of the new hatchback.

It"s a supercar in a...

It"s a supercar in a a business suit! Maserati has unleashed its fastest ever four-door. the Quattroporte Sport GT S at Detroit. Offering a staggering 432bhp from its 4.7-litre V8 engine, the Italian hot-rod also gets a quick shift gearbox and revised suspension. to ensure the sharpest possible driving experience.

It"s not only the Kangoo...

It"s not only the Kangoo which has had a makeover - Renault’s Scenic compact MPV has also gone under the knife.

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! Mitsubishi...

It"s official! Mitsubishi is aiming to inject fresh excitement into the look of the new Mitsubishi Outlander with a dramatic facelift, inspired by the "jet fighter" design of the firm"s succesful Lancer.

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.

Kia is aiming to prove...

Kia is aiming to prove that three is the magic number for families on the move with a new model destined to hit the road next spring.

Kirk Eden, of Merseyside-based...

Kirk Eden, of Merseyside-based UK Fuel Guard, has borrowed the sound-chip technology to create a warning device designed to prevent diesel drivers accidentally filling up with unleaded - a costly mistake 300,000 motorists make each year.

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.

Makers seem to cram...

Makers seem to cram more and more features into their sat-navs, and produce them in smaller packages. ThatтЂ™s certainly the case for NavigonтЂ™s new 1210 тЂ“ itтЂ™s barely bigger than a cassette tape.

Making its debut at...

Making its debut at next March"s Geneva Motor Show, the roadster will have a fully automatic folding fabric roof - unlike the drop-top Murciнѓ©lago. The newcomer"s electro-hydraulic hood retracts neatly at the touch of a button, and sits beneath a flush-fitting cover on the Spyder"s slightly redesigned rear end. The car will go on sale here next summer, priced from around н‚бЈ130,000. It will be powered by the same 500bhp 5.0-litre V10 as is found in the coupнѓ©.

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.

Most obvious are the...

Most obvious are the Multipla"s exterior changes, including vivid Racing Yellow paintwork and a Zender bodykit. Styling extras consist of a new front bumper, side skirts, bigger wheelarches and a rear spoiler. The revamp is finished off by 17-inch five-spoke alloys for increased grip and sharper looks.

Normally, you donтЂ™t...

Normally, you donтЂ™t get much warning that your carтЂ™s battery is about to fail тЂ“ the first you know about it is when you try to start the vehicle, only to be met with a stony silence. But with the latest battery monitors from Ring Automotive, you can keep an eye on the charge level without even turning a key.

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.

Official pics of Hyundai"s...

Official pics of Hyundai"s VW Passat rival, the Sonata, have been leaked onto Korean car forums. And it"s a stunner!

Oil changes will become...

Oil changes will become a thing of the past if a revolutionary filter system delivers on its promises. The on-board "refinery" scrubs the lubricant clean so it never gets dirty, say the Swedish inventors of the COT Oil Processor. The gadget has been tested on Scania trucks and Volvo marine units for the past year. A retro-fit version for cars works by taking a continuous flow from the engine oil line and removing the contaminants. Particles in the liquid that are bigger than one micron are removed by a special cotton-based filter. Unwanted fluids such as water are evaporated away by a miniature boiler.

Originally, the company...

Originally, the company claimed it was confident of shifting 10,000 models across Europe every year by 2010. But with only 600 examples of the BLS finding homes in the UK in 2006, that ambitious target has now been dropped.

Pretty Ferraris are...

Pretty Ferraris are back in fashion! The Italian supercar

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.

RAC Trackstar boss Pat...

RAC Trackstar boss Pat Gallagher said: "Car security is getting better, so it"s not surprising thieves are using different methods. This type of fraud often happens on high-value vehicles, so the financial impact is greater." Gallagher added that fraudulent transactions were more likely to happen after 5pm, when the banks have shut and the seller can"t check the draft"s authenticity.

Readers of Auto Express...

Readers of Auto Express have voted the new Ford S-MAX their car of the year. The sporty compact MPV topped the Auto 1 poll from Issue 935, beating Land Rover"s Freelander 2 into second with the new MINI in third.

Red-hot and raring to...

Red-hot and raring to go! This is the first undisguised shot of the Vauxhall Insignia VXR Sports Tourer тЂ“ a high-performance version of the Insignia estate. Our spies have already caught an early mule in testing, but this is the first time production-ready car, complete with a griffin badge on the bonnet and the chrome-rimmed nostrils lifted from the VXR saloon, has been spotted out in the open.

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.

Sadly, British buyers...

Sadly, British buyers won"t benefit as the car will be on sale only in Japan. A spokesman for Toyota UK said: "This is a model for the home market. At the moment, there are no plans to bring it to Europe, and it"s not related to the city car we"re developing with PSA Peugeot Citroen. That isn"t likely to appear until the Geneva Motor Show in February."

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."

Sat-navs are all the...

Sat-navs are all the rage these days, but sometimes there is just no substitute for a decent map тЂ“ such as the latest range from PhilipтЂ™s.

Say hello to L.A"s most...

Say hello to L.A"s most wanted, crowds at the unveiling of the new Nissan Cube proved that it really is hip to be square at this year"s spectacular.

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.

Speaking at Detroit...

Speaking at Detroit, he also confirmed that the car - officially named the DB9 Volante - will cost 8,000 in American showrooms. The UK price is expected to be announced imminently, and will be in the region of н‚бЈ115,000.

Staff at the feline...

Staff at the feline firm"s factory in Castle Bromwich, Birmingham, are seen here celebrating the arrival of the very first new XK off the production line. Workers watched as the silver XK Coupé was handed over to the Jaguar Heritage Trust, which will keep it in a collection that includes the first and last E-Types, too.

Suspended from a cable...

Suspended from a cable wire 310 metres above the ground, the model made its dramatic appearance at one of the world"s great tourist attractions, Sugar Loaf Mountain in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The VW is set to stay there until the end of the month, by which time it will have been seen up close

Take a look at the Citroen...

Take a look at the Citroen thatтЂ™s set to turn the family car market upside down! This is the all-new DS4 тЂ“ a premium people carrier that will join the DS3 supermini in the firmтЂ™s eagerly awaited new luxury line-up.

Take a look at the first...

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

Tesco has teamed up...

Tesco has teamed up with licensed agency Ranger to access the DVLA database for details of drivers who have stayed beyond its free three-hour limit. The shop then sends a warning letter and, for repeat offenders, a н‚бЈ70 fine.

Tesla Motors has confirmed...

Tesla Motors has confirmed its next launch in 2010 will be a sports saloon to compete with the BMW 5-Series and JaguarтЂ™s XF.

The 21-year-old starlet...

The 21-year-old starlet will test for McLaren this week at Jerez in Spain to let team chiefs gauge if he’s ready to step into the seat Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa currently occupies. McLaren boss Ron Dennis confirmed: “Lewis will test this week, but whether anything comes out of it to change our current thinking for the Brazilian GP, time will tell. The test is not an evaluation of his capabilities as a driver. That is not the objective. It is to give him more mileage on a different type of circuit and to learn things that are important for us for Brazil. No decision has been taken, but as and when it is we’ll announce it.”

The 4x4 can trace its...

The 4x4 can trace its roots back to the original Series I, which made its debut in 1948. And to mark its 60th anniversary, the brand is preparing to launch a commemorative limited-edition model next year.

The British Motor Show...

The British Motor Show has been axed... but a new event is filling its shoes! The Midlands Motor Show will bring car expos back to the countryтЂ™s vehicle producing heartland this weekend at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry.

The company confirmed...

The company confirmed the change of direction after it supplied us with this official picture of the 350C being put through its paces in Saudi Arabia. It"s hoped the new development scheme will improve TVR"s record on mechanical reliability. Head of marketing Phil James told us: "We think the improvements in quality and durability will be warmly welcomed."

The entry-level 2.2-litre...

The entry-level 2.2-litre 320i replaces the 318i, and is priced at н‚бЈ21,090, a н‚бЈ140 increase over the outgoing model. The 320d is expected to be the most popular variant, and will cost н‚бЈ22,890 as opposed to н‚бЈ22,750 for the current car. Top of the range at launch will be the firm"s 258bhp 330i.

The FCX is Honda"s next-generation...

The FCX is Honda"s next-generation fuel cell vehicle, and features a compact stack - or power unit - positioned between the driver and passenger. The small dimensions of the fuel cell have enabled the firm"s designers to give the show car a completely flat floor.

The Fiesta has made...

The Fiesta has made its Chinese debut – and at the same time, Ford has given us the best look yet at the hot ST version!

The four-door off-roader...

The four-door off-roader shares a platform with BMW"s X5 and weighs 2,640kg. Features include suicide rear doors, which open to 90 degrees for easy access. These have been designed with new "doorstop" technology, which prevents them from swinging shut unexpectedly.

The front-engined, rear-wheel...

The front-engined, rear-wheel drive Toniq R, has rival Caterham in its sights.

The Ghost has emerged...

The Ghost has emerged from the shadows! And the hot news is that the тЂbabyтЂ™ Rolls- Royce will boast supercar performance when it goes on sale later in the year.

The Heritage Motor Centre...

The Heritage Motor Centre at Gaydon, Warks, has agreed a deal with Nanjing Automobile - new owner of Rover"s Longbridge plant - to safeguard historically important artefacts, documents and photos. At the same time, an auction of MG Sport and Racing items will go ahead this month in Birmingham.

The hi-tech kit - which...

The hi-tech kit - which is already on trial - can be used to trap motorists breaking the speed limit or going through a red light. It"s equipped with a digital camera, so it never runs out of film - meaning every law-breaker will be caught. The hard drive stores up to 100,000 images, which can be downloaded by police via the built-in modem.

The hottest Audi ever...

The hottest Audi ever has blown its top! These are the first images of the R8 Spyder, after pictures were leaked onto the internet ahead of its scheduled unveil at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The IAM Trust has revealed...

The IAM Trust has revealed that nearly two-thirds of motorists use filling station air hoses to monitor and inflate their rubber. However, this means the tyres will be warm - and the pressures printed in the owner"s manual are for cold ones.

The large people carrier...

The large people carrier is now available with the same 2.0-litre TDI oil-burner from the Toledo. With 138bhp on tap, it propels the MPV from 0-60mph in 12.2 seconds and on to 119mph. The new engine is Euro IV emissions compliant, and returns 41.5mpg. It replaces the 128bhp 1.9-litre diesel, yet it costs the same, with the Alhambra Stylance 2.0 TDI starting at н‚бЈ21,120.

The mag"s picture is...

The mag"s picture is of the all-new Mнѓ©gane-based SUV, tipped to be called the Kilimandjaro, the French spelling of the legendary African peak. It"s under development in France and Japan - where alliance partner Nissan is based - and will be developed on the forthcoming C-SUV platform. Boasting four-wheel drive, it will be a spiritual successor to the Scenic RX4, which failed to hit the mark in the UK.

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 new Mondeo appears...

The new Mondeo appears with actor Daniel Craig at the wheel in a dramatic 15-second opening sequence of the blockbuster, which was filmed on location in the Bahamas.

The new theft-resistant...

The new theft-resistant registrations are designed to crack down on vehicle cloning and curb the rising number of cases where stolen reg plates are being used to evade parking tickets and speeding fines. Police figures show that more than 33,000 sets of plates were taken from vehicles in 2004. Motorists will be expected to cover the cost of the new technology, as the theft-proof versions are likely to be twice the current price of standard ones at around чЈ20 a pair.

The old model featured...

The old model featured a mid-engined layout, but engineers are testing this format and front-engined to ensure that the latest model is capable of challenging the Ferrari F430, Lamborghini Gallardo and forthcoming Lexus supercar.

The patent office is...

The patent office is designed to protect company secrets, not leak them to the world! But thatтЂ™s what has happened with these renderings of MazdaтЂ™s next MX-5.

The Patent Office says...

The Patent Office says the Traveller name isn"t currently signed to any car manufacturer. Yet it is owned by a variety of other firms, including makers of electrical goods and bicycles - and this would make any attempt to use the badge very difficult. BMW has yet to confirm the newcomer"s name, but given that the show cars at the Frankfurt, Tokyo and Geneva expos in the past year have all been referred to as Traveller concepts, it would be logical for the company to try to capitalise on public awareness and take the name through to production.

The people carrier line-up...

The people carrier line-up now starts with the Team model, powered by a 138bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine, which is priced at чЈ18,595 - that"s чЈ1,200 less than the Authenчtique version it replaces. The base model comes with dual-zone air-conditioning, a CD radio and heated door mirrors as standard.

These are the first...

These are the first official pictures of the three-door BMW 1-Series, which joins a revised five-door in dealers in March. To go with its fresh look, the line-up has a host of features designed to boost fuel economy.

These two pictures are...

These two pictures are the best yet of Fiat"s new large family car, which won"t be officially unveiled until March"s Geneva Motor Show. Slobodan, from Cambridge, contacted Auto Express soon after returning to the UK. "During our recent holiday to Sicily, my wife and I visited Mount Etna, and I spotted a heavily disguised Fiat. I heard it running and the car clearly had a diesel engine."

The skyтЂ™s the limit...

The skyтЂ™s the limit for Fiat! The first official pictures of the 500 convertible тЂ“ badged the 500C тЂ“ have landed ahead of its Geneva debut in March. And in true Fiat style the quirky cabriolet has a style all of its own.

The Spaniard (image)...

The Spaniard (image) was back to his brilliant best to score his third win of the year at the Nurburgring, and he is now targeting further success on Sunday.

The special edition...

The special edition was unveiled at this week"s Tokyo Motor Show, complete with a striking orange paint job and retro plastic wheel covers.

The Strongbox is a small...

The Strongbox is a small but tough metal safe that can be secured to any fixed point inside your car using a steel cable that locks into the safe itself.

The supermini is set...

The supermini is set to take on a similar style to its big brother, and will benefit from the full GTI treatment. VW"s trademark grille is given a black finish, while the supermini gets a similar wheel design to the Golf. However, the Polo will be far less extreme than its Vauxhall rival.

The Swedish firm"s Personal...

The Swedish firm"s Personal Car Communicator (PCC) scooped the honour at the British Insurance Car Security Awards. The pocket-sized PCC handset includes a unique sensor that can detect the heartbeat of a "car mugger" lurking inside a motor from 100 metres away.

Things are heating up...

Things are heating up Down Under, as Mazda has revealed the fastest hatchback it has ever made. Visitors to the Sydчney show got a glimpse of this thrilling 3 MPS Extreme.

This Astra is actually...

This Astra is actually a customer demonstrator based on the 170bhp SRi flagship. It has been fitted with Vauxhall"s Continuous Damper Control - hence the CDC badging on its bonnet and tailgate in the mag"s image.

This incredible car...

This incredible car is the Sound Satellite, unveiled at the Tokyo commercial vehicle motor show. It transforms a workhorse utility vehicle into a dance club venue!

This is MazdaтЂ™s version...

This is MazdaтЂ™s version of a downsized, credit-crunch friendly MX-5, the MX-2.

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.

Until now, LED daytime...

Until now, LED daytime running lights have been the preserve of models like the Audi A4, A5 and R8. But Hella is offering a new kit that gives the look of a premium model at a fraction of the price.

Volvo"s C30 has been...

Volvo"s C30 has been handed a mid-life update with exterior tweaks and a new, greener engine.

We know Suzuki for its...

We know Suzuki for its top-value small cars, but if you like two-wheeled transport, you will also be familiar with its superbikes. In an effort to combine the two, the firm has created the SXForce.

"We tested it against...

"We tested it against a premium sound system, and ours was better," said Urban Emborg of Swedish engineering consultancy Caran. The team worked out how to make the rear window vibrate, generating the low-frequency sounds which usually come from a subwoofer. Caran reckons the first see-through speaker will appear on new cars in 2007 - but he won"t reveal which marque will fit them first. The Gothenburg company already counts Saab and Volvo among its clients.

We"ve already taken...

We"ve already taken the wraps off the new Megane – and now, we can bring you spy shots of it testing on the road for the first time.

WhatрЂ™s your favourite...

WhatрЂ™s your favourite car ad? Whether itрЂ™s CitroenрЂ™s robot or HondaрЂ™s skydivers, they all cost money to make.

WHATтЂ™S six to the...

WHATтЂ™S six to the power of four? VW has the answer!

While Auto Express"s...

While Auto Express"s spy snapper captured pictures of Bentley"s beautiful new Continental GTC testing with its roof down in southern France, Citroen has borrowed one of the British firm"s famous names and launched the C3 Pluriel Côte d"Azur.

While power is slightly...

While power is slightly down in the S6, the 5.2-litre still delivers 420bhp and 540Nm of torque. With a six-speed tiptronic auto gearbox, it covers 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds and has a 155mph top speed. Huge 385mm front brake discs and 335mm rears ensure the car stops as well as it goes, while superb grip and agile handling should be assured, too, thanks to quattro 4WD and stiffened, lowered suspension.