Audi A3 new Convertable

Audi will launch a brand new convertible version of its A3 in Spring next year. This will sit alongside the Audi TT and A4 convertibles.

The Car will come with the option of four engines, two petrol and two diesel.

The Rag top , which will keep the weight of the car down, is available as either a fully automatic unit or a semi-automatic one, where the driver has to release the hood from the windscreen header rail before it folds down electronically. The good news is that it can be opened and closed at speeds of up to 19mph using a button on the centre console, as well as by the ignition key in the door lock.

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Hyundai show new concept at LA Motorshow

It seems that Hyundai new concept car has hit the spot at the LA Motorshow this week. This 2+2 seater could could hit the road in America in early 2009.

Although similar to the Coupe S3 the Genesis is reported to have a new 3.8-litre V6 - developing over 300bhp which should make its 0-60 time about 6 seconds!

Hyundai's will not be goaded on whether the car will come to the UK - lets hope it does

For more news and comment go to TopCarTalk forums

New ford prices released

The Ford Motor Company has released the prices for the new Ford Focus. The Focus is due to go on sale next year at even more competitive prices.

On the road prices start from £11,945 slightly higher than the old model (approx £270) but added equipment makes up for the increase. The new Focus will have ESP as standard, ABS, electric windows, CD player and central locking.

The Style range starts at at £13,445. The best selling Zetec which receives 16-inch alloy wheels and sports suspension, plus a body coloured rear spoilers standard. The Focus comes with an extensive options list, and is available in three-door and five-door body styles, followed by a revised coupe-cabriolet and sporty ST versions within a few months.

Ford Focus website

Ross Brawn joins Honda

Great news for Honda racing, they have signed former Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn.

Brawn, who took a year off, will be leaving Ferrari after talks broken down whilst negotiating his new contract. Honda jumped on this opportunity and signed Brawn. He will join Honda as team principal, working alongside Nick Fry, who will stay on as chief executive.

Brawn will be given full responsibility for design, manufacture, engineering and race operations, allowing Fry to focus on the business and marketing side and managing the relationship with Honda’s board in Japan.

It is almost certain that this is likely to boost the team’s chances of retaining Jenson Button’s services beyond 2008.

For more comment go to TopCarTalk formula 1 forums.

Renault up on spying charges

The Formula 1 debacle continues this week with Renault up on spying charges. They are accused of having McLaren technical information - a similar charge to McLaren.

Earlier this year McLaren were fined $100M and all the constructors points deducted after being found in posetion of Ferarri data.

If you have been following Formula one you will know that this has been going on since the sport began - everybody spies on everyone else, its the way of the world for Formula 1. Unfortunately the FIA have opened a can of worms charging McLaren and now everybody is after everybody else.

Just a continuation of the F1 roadshow or something serious? Have your say at TopCarTalk Formula 1 Forum

Autobahn 'no' speed limit remains

The Social Democrat coalition in Germany has called for a 130kmh/80mph speed limit on the country's motorways. Fortunately for all us motorists Chancellor Angela Merkel has rejected the proposal!

The proposals was made by the SPD with the intention of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but Mrs Merkel said that, "traffic jams are at least as harmful to the climate as speeding."

At last some sense from a government - hurrah. So Germany remains the ideal place to try out your new supercars performance

Life-on-Mars Cortina sold

The 'Life-on-Mars' Ford Cortina 2000E has been bought by a fan of the show.

The series featured Jon Simm as a policeman transported back to 1973 battling with the unreconstructed Gene Hunt, played by Philip Glenister.

Paul Shedden paid £10,000 for the car after it was put up for sale on Ebay, complete with scripts and a police rule-book from 1973. The Cortina has only clocked up 67,000 miles.

40mph Motorway limit to be implemented

The Department of Transport is planning to introduce 40mph speed limits on some motorways in order to reduce congestion during peak traffic times. The speed reduction is also aimed at reducing emissions;
Speed cameras will be mounted in gantries to ensure the lower speed limits are obeyed.

The recent Department of Transport report predicting a 30% increase in congestion by 2025 has forced them into this move.

For comment go to TopCarTalk forums - speed camera's

Metroproject Quattro

The new Audi A1 concept is due to be revelled at the Tokyo motor show this week. Audi have said that this will be almost identical to the final production version to be shown at Paris next year.

The A1 gets Audi's new hybrid 1.4 TFSI engine - an advanced version of the 125bhp engine seen in the A3 - with 150bhp and 177lb ft. The electric motor adds an extra 41bhp and is capable of 62 miles and 62mph operating on its own. The Audi is targeting drivers of the BMW's Mini.

Audi hopes to have the A1 in showrooms by 2010

Porsche's four-door

This is Porsche's official sketch of the Panamera - the awaited new 4 door Porsche. The expected, the production car will get taller and roomier on the inside while losing the caricatured low-slung profile.

It is likely that the new car will be officially unveiled at the Geneva show in 2009, becoming an obvious rival to the Maserati Quattroporte, Mercedes CLS and Aston's planned Rapide.

The Panamera will continue the trend of being rear-wheel drive, but there's nothing official from Porsche yet on what'll be providing the power.

Rumours suggest the Panamera will get three different engines, ranging from a 300bhp V6 to a twin-turbo V8 with more than 500bhp.


Top gear magazine have had a go at what the production car could look like.


Look great to me. For further comment go to TopCarTalk forums

Volkswagen supports Tyre Safety Month

VW are in full support of the current Tyre Safety Month initiative. It’s the first manufacturer to sign up to the campaign run by industry body TyreSafe.

VW dealers across the country (250 of them) will check the tyres of any make of car during October and tips on the best ways to care for their rubber.

Well done Volkswagen.

F1 in the news again

Once again Formula 1 is making adverse press. Its is currently negotiating the commercial document that binds the sport together - the Concorde Agreement. Each team signs this agreement but 3 of the teams are in dispute - Prodrive, Torro Rosso and Super Aguri.

The negociations at the moment are trying to exclude teams that use other cars under there logo. Prodrive want to enter a customer car (thought to be a 2007 McLaren) next year, and if no agreement is reached soon, both Torro Rosso and Super Aguri will have to build an entirely new chassis for next year which is probably impossible in the short time scale.

For more comment go to TopCarTalk formula 1

Jason Plato injured filming Fifth Gear

Jason Plato has been hurt filming a Fifth Gear programme earlier this week. The British Touring Car Championship driver was testing a Caparo T1 super car at Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground in Leicestershire. The car is reported to have burst into flames at 150mph

Plato's injuries, included burns to both hands, his face and the back of his neck he has vowed to race his Seat Leon at this weekend's BTCC meeting at Thruxton. Currently Jason is leading the drivers championship nine points ahead of Vauxhall's Fabrizio Giovanardi.

Good luck Jason.

New Fiat 500 Abarth?

This is one of the first pictures of the stunning Abarth 500, which will make its world debut at next month’s Tokyo Motor Show. It has the usual pumped-up body panels, flared arches, lower side sills, a big roof spoiler and twin tailpipes at the rear, it looks a lot more aggressive than the standard car. The performance 500 also gets a unique front bumper design to aid cooling.

It has a turbocharged 1.4-litre engine - variants will get 133bhp, with a 152bhp version also planned. However, top billing will go to the flagship 595 Super Sport model, which is expected to deliver 177bhp.

Early reports indicate a 0-62mph in 8.2 seconds, rather fast for such a small car. Buyers will also get uprated brakes, head­lamps and a revised front bumper help to mark it out in the range.

For more news views and problem solving go to TopCarTalk forum.

New Ariel Atom

A new version of Ariel's has been launched. Although it looks similar to the old one, the latest 2.0 litre engine is from from the new Type R with a power output of 245bhp in normally aspirated form and 300bhp in the supercharged version, but the new engine will deliver more torque lower down the rev range. There's a new ECU, a new fuel system and twin-outlet exhausts, too.
Other improvements, according to designer Simon Saunders, come from changing the angle of the chassis' aluminium bracing tubes to allow larger drivers more space and using bigger rubber engine mounts to reduce vibration. But there's also a more precise gear change, uprated dampers and better wind shielding. Many of the improvements are geared towards the US market, where the £30,000 Atom is hoping to have success.

Subaru's new car transporter

As part of a promotional campaign for the all-new Impreza hatch, Subaru has unveiled a transporter which carries three of the hatchbacks the wrong way up.

Called the Subaglue transporter the inverted cars aim to highlight the Impreza's symmetrical all-wheel drive. It's one of the most original idea's of the past few years and should afford Subaru lots of column inches in the motorsports press (well its worked here!).

Unfortunately, though, the Impreza remains a very ugly car and still bought by boy racers.

For more controversial news and views visit TopCarTalk

Mercedes introduce blind spot assistance

Mercedes has introduced "Blind Spot Assist," a radar-based system — similar to that offered by Volvo — that, like the name implies, warns the driver when a vehicle is present in the car's blind spot.

The system uses six radar sensors to to detect vehicles lurking in blind spots.Once a car is detected by the system, a red light appears on the side view mirror to warn the driver. If the driver puts on a turn signal while there is a car in a blind spot, the system further alerts the driver with an audible warning as well as switching the red light to flash mode.

Blind Spot Assist adds to Mercedes long list of radar-based safety systems — including PRE-SAFE and DISTRONIC PLUS — and is further proof that the future of automotive safety will focus on crash-avoidance.

Nissan drop Skyline prefix for the GT-R

Nissan isn't going to launch the new GT-R quietly, the production car due to be unveiled at the Toyko show next month, Nissan has launched a website to remind us of its Skyline's glorious 40-year heritage.

Only, it's not the Skyline any more. Nissan has today announced that the car will just be known as the GT-R - the 'Skyline' prefix having been dropped for all world markets.

Nissan are keeping the specification of the car secret until October 24th and will release details on its website Nissan website. The picture was taken at Goodwood festival of speed.

The only bad news is that we won't see the GT-R in the UK until late next year.

For more news views and help go to TopCarTalk forums

€1 million Lamborghini

There will only be 20 of them made - the new Lamborghini Reventon and it is expected to cost over €1 million , putting into Bugatti Veyron territory.

Looking at the specifications for this car it looks like Reventon is basically a restyled LP640. Mechanically, it is all but identical with the existing model, but features a heavily restyled body and a radical new interior.

The Lamborghini packs a twelve-cylinder engine (6.5-liter putting out 650 horsepower) which can propel the car from 0 to 62mph in just 3.4 seconds and has a top speed of 211 mph.

Only 20 examples will be made, and one presumes Lamborghini has already lined up the customers before launch

The world's longest Ferrari

This is the world's first-ever Ferrari stretch limo: a 23-foot 360 Modena with eight seats and the biggest electric gullwing doors ever seen.

It's the handiwork of Style Limousines in Manchester, which spent more than £200,000 modifying the rear-engined 360. All eight of the seats are carbon-fibre buckets with five-point race harnesses - which might sound excessive until you discover that the 3.6-litre V8 remains, its 395bhp propelling the mega-Ferrari to 60mph in under six seconds.

Those gullwing doors are nine-foot long and were designed by one of the teams responsible for the Mercedes SLR McLaren.

I'm not sure I would want to ride in this especially when it gets to the first corner!!!!

Ferrari Spy row continues

The FIA is scheduled to meet on the 13 September to consider new evidence in the Ferrari-McLaren spying affair.

McLaren were found guilty of fraudulent conduct in the initial hearing on 26 July but were not penalised. They were found guilty of possessing confidential Ferrari documents, but it was decided the information had not been used to improve their car.

A Court of Appeal hearing set for 13 September following new evidence presented by Ferrari, who refuse to discuss the matter until the hearing. A McLaren statement in response to the FIA read: "McLaren Racing has been made aware that new evidence has been presented to the FIA as part of their ongoing investigation. "

The row blew up when McLaren chief designer Mike Coughlan was found to have nearly 800 pages of Ferrari documents in his house.

Coughlan has since been suspended by McLaren.

Ferrari believe Coughlan received the documents from their now-sacked performance director Nigel Stepney, who says he is innocent.

Ahead of this weekend's Italian Grand Prix, McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton leads the world championship by five points from team-mate Fernando Alonso, with Ferrari's Felipe Massa a further 15 points behind.

McLaren are 11 points ahead of Ferrari in the constructors' title chase.

Comment on TopCarTalk Forumla 1 forums

New Mercedes C Class Wagon

This is one of the the first released pictures of the new Mercedes C Class wagon which will debut at the Frankfurt motor show next week before coming to the UK for summer 2008.


After the very successful launch of the saloon version of the C Class earlier this year, the range will consist of SE, Sport and Elegance versions and comes with the broad range of engines on offer with the saloon.


The creme de la creme will be the 450bhp C63 AMG Estate!! a real autobahn cruiser. There's no official word on price yet, but we expect the range to start at around £25k.

For more news, views and information visit TopCarTalk forums

Parking wardens to tone down approach

The Department of Transport have released a consultation paper which urges local authorities to develop new ways to educate drivers against inconsiderate and illegal parking. They suggest that Parking wardens tone down the current trend to ticket every motorist and that they try to put forward a friendly face to the public.

The paper goes so far as to order against setting targets for the number of tickets issued or funds raised through fines.Parking enforcement across the UK brought in more than £1billion in 2005. Costs range from around £50 for a parking fine to approximately £200 to recover a car that has been towed away.

For more discussion visit TopCarTalk foums - parking and parking wardens

New Ford Fiesta!

Ford have just reveled what looks like the new Fiesta concept which will be shown at the Frankfurt Motorshow next month.

Ford are being a bit cagey about calling it the new Fiesta as it is thought that they may be loosing the Fiesta name in favour of a new Verve. (supposedly a sexier name!)

Fiat 500 sells out

The demand for the new 500 is so great in Italy and France that Fiat might have to delay its launch in other countries. Fiat originally planned to build 58,000 cars this year, but the carmaker has since decided it will build between 65,000 and 67,000 units before production ramps up to 140,000 at the company's Tychy, Poland, plant in 2008.

Meanwhile Fiat is well on the way to developing two Abarth versions . They are creating both a 135bhp turbo version of the 500’s 1.4-litre engine and a range-topping 150bhp version that’s tipped to be called the Abarth 500SS, just like hot Abarths of old.

The 150bhp version probably won't arrive in the UK until late in 2008 and is expected to cost around £15,000. .

BMW details new 420-hp V8 for next M3

BMW unveiled its new M3 Concept at the Geneva Motor Show this year and have just revealed details of the M3’s new V8 powerplant. The first eight-cylinder for the BMW M3 will deliver 420-hp from just 4.0L.

Not only is the new V8 more powerful than the outgoing inline 6 cylinder, it is also lighter than the previous engine!

With out a doubt the new engine has been developed from Formula 1, where once again the eight-cylinder sets the standard and marks the latest development in technology. And the similarities between the BMW Sauber F1 Team’s power unit, on the one hand, and the power unit featured in the new BMW M3, on the other, are unmistakable.

For you engine freaks out there BMW has released the following details:

• First eight-cylinder for the BMW M3 sports car.
• Supreme performance ensured by 309 kW/420 hp from 4.0 litres.
• Maximum torque of 400 Newton-metres (295 lb-ft) at 3, 900 rpm, 85 per cent of maximum torque over a speed range of 6,500 rpm.
• Unique thrust and muscle ensured by consistent implementation of the M high-speed engine concept, maximum engine speed 8,300 rpm.
• Consistent lightweight construction of engine and ancillary units, new V8 power unit one of the lightest eight-cylinders in the world, lighter than the straight-six power unit in the former model.
• Variable camshaft control, low-pressure double-VANOS for an optimum charge cycle, system offering full power and performance even with normal engine oil pressure.* Eight individual throttle butterflies for spontaneous engine response.
• Consistent and reliable oil supply with longitudinal and lateral acceleration up to 1.4 g ensured by two oil pumps and wet sump oil lubrication optimised for supreme dynamic behaviour.
• Exhaust system optimising cylinder charge, optimised for weight and function by means of internal high-pressure remoulding, exhaust emissions fulfil EU4 and LEV 2 standards.
• Upgraded MSS60 engine control unit for optimum coordination of all engine functions with the various control systems in the car.
• Ion flow technology recognising and distinguishing engine knocking phenomena as well as misfiring and miscombustion by measurement of ion flow in the combustion chambers.
• Brake Energy Regeneration with intelligent alternator control

Aston Martin unveils DBS

Aston Martin has released further details of its new DBS, a high performance version of the DB9 that effectively replaces the company's Vanquish coupe, as the company's ultimate model.

The DBS has a 6.0 V12 engine producing 510bhp, much of the bodywork is now made from carbonfibre, saving 30kg. The brakes themselves are carbon ceramic and the wheels are 20in alloys. The car's aluminium core structure has been strengthened, programmable adaptive suspension damping is standard, and the dynamic stability control system has been modified to provide a track setting. The interior has also been reworked for a more luxurious finish.

The DBS is good for 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds, and has a top speed of 191mph. Price will be revealed next month, and deliveries begin in the first quarter of 2008.


For more news, views and comment go to TopCarTalk forums.

New land speed record for Ford

Ford has set the land speed record for a production-based hydrogen fuel-cell powered car with its Fusion 999 yesterday at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

The new world record was set at 207.2 mph. Ford have partnered with Ohio university to develop this car continuing its research into hydrogen cars - the only emission being water!

Piloting the Fusion was Rick Byrnes, a veteran Bonneville racer and retired Ford Powertrain component design engineer. The Fusion achieved the top speed with a reduced drag coefficient, from 0.34 to 0.21, and a 770 horsepower motor.

Porsche Caymen design edition to be launched

Porsche is making 777 limited-edition Porsche Design Edition 1 Cayman S coupes. The cars will have black leather upholstery, black dials, door trims and fascia and will be finished off with a black steering wheel.

The Cayman S Porsche Design Edition 1 has 19" wheels, suspension lowered by 10mm and standard Porsche Active Suspension Management adaptive damping with Sport mode. Buyers will also get a free Porsche Design Studio-created briefcase, 'Flat Six' watch, pocket knife, pair of sunglasses, pen and key ring - all in black. Deliveries start in November, with UK prices at £49,890

For more car talk and information go to TopCarTalk

Sebastien Bourdais to join Formula 1 at last

Champ Car racer Sebastien Bourdais finally on his way to F1. The Frenchman will join the Toro Rosso team next year, replacing Italian Vitantonio Liuzzi. Bourdais has already tested for Toro Rosso this season while continuing to dominate the Champ Car series in the States.

Perhaps the only surprise is that Bourdais didn't make it to F1 sooner. After Scott Speed's bust-up with his Toro Rosso management last month, the American was replaced by German driver Sebastian Vettel when many expected Bourdais to fill the vacant seat.

We'll have to wait until next year to see the three-time Champ Car champ in an F1 car, but after a protracted wait, Bourdais doesn't seem to mind holding on for a few more months.

Sat-nav ‘jammer’ threatens to sink road pricing scheme

This new product a sat-nav jammer, and could render the most suitable technology for a pay-as-you-drive charging scheme useless.It costs £700 and plugs into a car’s cigar lighter socket.

That might sound like good news but thieves could also use the gadget to foil certain GPS-based stolen car tracking devices!

How does it work? Trackers rely on sat-nav technology to log vehicle movements. This data is stored on a ‘black box’ in the car, then relayed to a mon­itoring station via mobile phone. The jammer stops both processes.It emits a frequency that blocks the signal from global positioning satellites. As a result, the black box can’t record movement data. The jammer unit also has a mobile phone blocker to stop the black box sending information back to its base.

Have your say on road pricing visit TopCarTalk forums

DeLorean comeback?

We all know that some American's can be a little, shall we say, weird. Demand in American for the gullwinged wonder is so high that some American fanatics are considering putting the DMC-12 back into production.

The car is made from the same stainless steel as your kitchen sink, but it is experiencing unprecedented levels of buyer interest, which means the existing crop of the original 9000 cars are in huge demand.

Putting the scandal of the £80 million of British government money lost and subsequent false drug allegations made against company founder John DeLorean, some Texas-based enthusiasts are looking to restart building the cult coupe. American entrepreneur John Espey will set up production for 25 cars per year and already boasts a nine month waiting list!

More car news and comment at topcartalk forums

Bentley Continental engine improvements

All you petrol heads will know what a fantastic engine the Bentley Continental GT models have - a 6-litre, twin turbocharged W12 engine, the most compact 12-cylinder engine in production. The 48-valve head employs four camshafts and continually variable valve-timing - oh yes.

But what you wont know is that a host of engine and transmission enhancements have been introduced on the 552bhp Continental GT to enhance both the refinement and efficiency of this high technology powertrain.

These include:

• New crankcase design to reduce internal losses.
• More efficient catalyst and exhaust system for improved emissions.
• Lighter weight single chain drive for camshaft.
• New engine management system and faster response cam sensor.
  

The engine continues to produce 552bhp at 6100 rev/min and a maximum torque of 650Nm. The twin, low-inertia turbochargers are a key factor in producing the flat torque curve, characteristic of every Bentley.

Both the Continental GT Speed and GT models now produce lower CO2 emissions of 396g/km, down from 410g/km, an improvement of 3.5 percent. Fuel consumption is improved by a similar amount to a staggering 11mpg!!!!.

The Continental GT remains outstandingly quick – its top speed is unchanged at 198mph (318km/h), with a 0-60mph sprint time of 4.6 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.8s) - faster than a Ferrari F430 and a Porsche 911 Carrera 4.

Renault announce new roadster

Renault have intended to produce a 2 seater convertable to rival the Mazda MX5 for many years now but it seems that the project is gaining pace.

The car was originally destined for production in 2010, but industry rumors say that Renault have revealed it has been given the go-ahead – and will be ready a year early.

Since the Toyota MR2 Roadster was discontinued last summer, after 22 years in production, the MX-5 has had no direct competitor. But that’s about to change, as bosses are ready to introduce a unique model to spearhead the Renaultsport range. It’s not yet known if the new two-seater will have a fabric or folding metal roof; Mazda’s MX-5 is available with a choice of both.

It seems that Renault intent to cater for all types of motorists with a wide range of engines. Entry-level variants are likely to be equipped with small, four-cylinder powerplants, while top-of-the-range cars will come with the Renaultsport Clio 197’s high-revving 2.0-litre unit.

For more in depth discussion and other car talk visit topcartalk.

TopCarTalk Information - Drugs and the driving law

Drug driving is the term used to describe anyone who gets behind the wheel of a vehicle under the influence of any substance (legal or illegal) that is likely to impair their driving ability.

Under Section 107, Schedule 7 of the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003:

• It's an offence to drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of a controlled drug;


• Police officers have powers to undertake roadside drug tests on drivers.
  
  

Penalties
Driving under the influence of drugs carries the same penalties as drink driving - a ban and a fine of up to £5,000 or up to six months in jail. If a person under the influence of drugs causes a fatal accident, they could face a two-year ban and a maximum of 10 years in jail.

Roadside testing
The law does not state any legal limit for drugs as it does for alcohol. This is because knowledge of how different drugs impair different people's driving ability is inconclusive. The extent of harm resulting from driving under the influence of drugs continues to be researched, although the current lack of a definite legal limit for drug driving can complicate any possible further prosecution

If you're taken to the station
If field impairment tests demonstrate that you may have been driving under the influence of drugs, you could be arrested and taken to the police station. Here, you may be tested for the presence of drugs through a biological test (for example, by testing a sample of your blood or urine). The police don't have to wait for you to sober up or resume consciousness in order to do this. A doctor can also carry out a blood test to see if you've been incapacitated due to medical reasons, such as illness or intake of prescribed medicine.

New Model to Mini Range

It had to nappen BMw ae going to launch the new MINI Clubman and it will be on sale in the UK in November 2007.

Available in three engine variants: Cooper D, Cooper and Cooper S, the new model has a new rear door mechanism and boasts more space for rear passengers and greater levels of safety.

We can all remember Morris Mini Traveller, Austin Mini Countryman and the Mini Clubman Estate, which enjoyed widespread success in the 1960s and were one of the most popular cars in Britain. Well the new MINI Clubman nevertheless stays true to the MINI design but the retention of short body overhangs, wide track, a long wheelbase and the high shoulder line rising towards the rear.

Modern high-performance engines, designed specifically for the 2nd generation MINI, feature new improvements to optimise fuel economy and emission management. Auto Start-Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration and a Gearshift Point Indicator are standard on all variants and help the MINI Cooper D Clubman to achieve a low emissions figure of 109 g/km CO2.

The Clubman is the next body style in the MINI range to join the successful Hatch and Convertible models, which have sold over one million models since 2001.

As with the Hatch models, the petrol engines will be assembled at Plant Hams Hall in the Midlands and the body panels and sub-assemblies are from Plant Swindon. This ‘MINI production triangle’ employs approximately 6,800 production associates in the UK.

On-the-road-prices:
MINI Cooper - £14,235
MINI Cooper D - £15,400
MINI Cooper S - £17,210

Join TopCarTalk Forums for more car news

Porsche Ceyene hybrid!!

Porsche, aware of the growing environmental lobby, have unveiled a prototype Cayenne with hybrid drive. Its not expected to be on sale until 2009 but obviously Porsche want everybody to know that it can be responsible as a car manufacturer.

The car has the 3.6 litre V6 engine, showing that the main focus is on saving fuel rather than performance, however because of the torque boost from the electric motor it is faster than most V6's. Porsche haven't released figures yet but for cars in this class you would expect a 0-62mph of about 8 seconds. Fuel economy should be about 25% better relating to 29mpg combined cycle.

Got something to say about Porsche Visit the Top Car Talk forums

Formula 1 race calendar extended to 18 races...

THE FIA have announced that the 2008 Formula One race calendar will consist of 18 races, the two new venues are Valencia and Singapore, both will be street races.

The Canadian grand prix is subject to contractual confirmation.

It was thought that France would not appear on the race calendar but the French have been given a reprieve.

2008 Formula One calendar released by the FIA on Friday:
March 16 Australia (Melbourne)
March 23 Malaysia (Sepang)
April 6 Bahrain (Sakhir)
April 27 Spain (Barcelona)
May 11 Turkey (Istanbul)
May 25 Monaco
June 8 Canada*
June 22 France
July 6 Britain (Silverstone)
July 20 Germany (Hockenheim)
Aug 3 Hungary (Hungaroring)
Aug 24 Europe (Valencia)
Sep 7 Italy (Monza)
Sep 14 Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps)
Sep 28 Singapore
Oct 12 China (Shanghai)
Oct 19 Japan (Fuji)
Nov 2 Brazil (Interlagos)

Got something to say about Formula 1? Visit the Top Car Talk forums

Stepneygate: No charges for McLaren for now

Formula 1 team McLaren have escaped any immediate penalty following a disciplinary hearing into how chief designer Mike Coughlan came into possession of a 780-page technical dossier on rivals Ferrari which was found at his home.

McLaren had already suspended their chief designer, and the World Motorsport Council (WMSC) came to the conclusion that there was "insufficent evidence" that the documents had affected this year's title race.

McLaren and current championship race leader Lewis Hamilton could yet face an Formula 1 ban if in the future they are seen to have gained any advantage from the dossier.

Have your say on the F1 spy row on the Top Car Talk forums

Rail fares going up as passengers are forced back onto the roads...

Can this government, or come to that any other UK government in the last 20 years get anything right regarding public transport? I think not personally. The latest piece of mindboggling news is that rail fares are set to rocket, due to the government's decision to slash funding by 50%, a move which will guarantee huge rail fare price hikes for the next decade. Oh deep joy.

We motorists are being constantly told to do our bit to help save the planet by using public transport more often. Cutting funding and the rail fair increases that will come with it will do nothing to encourage motorists to use what, frankly, are generally appalling rail services.

Set against this news, we have the prospect of road-pricing schemes and congestion charging on the horizon. If they don't get you one way they will get you somehow. The poor old commuter simply cannot win.

If the government wants us all to do our bit to save the planet, then they should be encouraging us all to use public transport by keeping fares low and by making sure that our trains are clean, have enough capacity and run on time.

In other countries where rail networks run smoothly and efficiently like in France for example, they do so because the government has long realised the importance of the getting public transport right. Over here in the UK it is the same old story a complete and utter shambles.

Top Gear star abandons 911 in flood dash drama..

Richard 'Hampster' Hammond has had to abandon his Porsche 911 Carrera due to the flooding which has enveloped many parts of England over the last couple of weeks.

The Top Gear presenter was travelling home from London to Cheltenham for his daughter's birthday. However, Hammond found himself stuck in a traffic jam due to the flood chaos, it was at this point that he donned his running gear and ran the last 16 miles of his journey home.

Hammond told the Daily Mirror: "There was no way I was going to miss it - I'm away from home enough as it is.

"Luckily I had my running gear and a waterproof jacket with me in the car, so I decided to run the rest of the way. It was pitch black but I just put my iPod on and went."

Top Gear returns to our TV screens this Wednesday for a one-off special that sees Hammond and chums in a race to the North Pole.

Hamilton admits making wrong call over tyres, but shows great character and statesmanship.

New kid on the block and still F1 Championship leader Lewis Hamilton has somewhat refreshingly admitted that it was his call to switch to dry tyres during the early stages of the European Grand Prix, it was a race losing decision as things turned out.

F1 is a sport that seems to be almost always mired in one controversy or another, so it makes a something of a pleasant change to hear that Lewis has totally held up his hand and admitted he was at fault.

Added to which there was no carping about the tyre gun failure which led to him having an untimely meeting with the Nurburgring tyre wall at 100 mph during Saturday's qualifying session, which ended with Hamilton being taken to hospital.

The young Briton has taken F1 by storm this season leading from the front and up and until Sunday's dramatic race at the Nurburgring, Hamilton had managed a podium finish in every other grand prix and in some considerable style.Despite his many setbacks in Germany over the weekend, you could not help but sit back and admire the way Hamilton dealt with each one.

How many other drivers would have had the presence of mind to keep that engine ticking over having spun off the track? Not many I'd venture.

As F1 guru and all round good egg Murray Walker recently stated, Hamilton is a true racer. How true. The way Hamilton went about the business of getting out of those mostly self inflicted sticky situations, was intriguing to witness, as much as anything else the it was a test of his positive attitude and his self willingness to haul himself back into the race.

It was remarkable that he managed to finish the race at all, given everything that went on prior to and during that eventful and fascinating race weekend.

It is somewhat ironic, but not that surprising that Lewis is now hinting that he learnt more in Sunday's grand prix than in the previous nine. Hamilton hasn't just been a total revelation this season he has brought F1 back to life.

Prior to his arrival for many neutrals, like myself, the sport had become dull and predictable. No more. F1 is alive and well and there's a genuine battle raging for the Championship.

Lewis Hamilton will hopefully learn from the mistakes that he made in Germany and go on to win the trophy, but even if he doesn't it is going to be great to watch the remainder of the season. I cannot personally remember the last time that I genuinely held that view of F1.

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Alonso wins dramatic European Grand Prix...

Fernando Alonso won his 18th Grand Prix today at Germany's Nurburgring in what can only be described as a highly eventful and dramatic race. The conditions and rain made it a very difficult start for the drivers as no sooner was the race under way than the track was flooded, which soon led to six cars including championship race leader Lewis Hamilton aqua planing off the track.

To his credit the 22 year old Brit kept his engine ticking over even in though his McLaren was wheel deep in grit, once a crane lifted his car back onto the track Hamilton rejoined the race. However, conditions got so bad that it wasn't long before the race was called to a halt.

The race restarted under Red Flag conditions with Hamilton left at the back of the grid, added to which he was a full lap behind. The rules state that cars which have been lapped can overtake while the safety car takes the rest of the cars around the circuit. Hamilton did exactly that but inexplicably he then decided to change to dry tyres instead of catching up the rest of the pack.

It turned out to be a disastrous points losing decision as Lewis soon spun off the track again. The remainder of Hamilton's race was spent trying to fight his way back into contention. The championship race leader gave it his best shot and displayed some fantastic overtaking skills, but it wasn't to be as he finished in ninth position, one place out of the points.

Meanwhile Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso had a battle royal with the Brazilian looking almost certain to win the race, but that all changed in the final laps as once again the heavens opened and the drivers raced into the pit-lane for once last tyre change.

The race ended as it had started in very dramatic fashion as Alonso and Massa's wheels momentarily came together as Alonso took the lead and raced onto the chequered flag.

Alonso's win means that Lewis Hamilton's championship lead has been cut to just two points.

Visit the Top Car Talk forums to add your F1 comments on the European Grand Prix and Lewis Hamilton's race at the Nurburgring

Lewis Hamilton cleared to race after crash scare....

F1 Championship leader Lewis Hamilton has been cleared to race in Sunday's European Grand Prix after recovering from a serious crash during Saturday's qualifyround at the Nurburgring.

The crash came about after one the McLaren's front wheels came off at high speed, the fault was later put down to a wheel gun malfunction.

The 22 year old Brit was keen to race despite his ordeal, as was Ron Dennis the McLaren team boss.

McLaren will no doubt be reviewing their pit-lane preparation procedures following what can only be described as a very unusual and untimely mechanical tool failure.

The accident served to once again remind everyone connected with the sport how dangerous F1 is.

It will be very interesting to see how Hamilton reacts, he's had his share of shunts and accidents in the past during his karting years, but the pressure is really on now and coming so soon after the crash Sunday's European Grand Prix will be an even bigger mental challenge.

Visit our Top Car Talk forums to add your comments on Hamilton and F1

Ferrari release pictures of the new F430 Scuderia

Ferrari has released first official pictures of the F430 Scuderia - a lighter, hardercore version of the standard coupe.

The engine is a tuned version of the 4.3 litre V8 which produces 510bhp. Crucially though, the Scuderia weighs 100kg less than the 430 coupe, so expect a sparse carbon-fibre-heavy cabin a la the previous generation 360 CS.

Tech-wise the Stradale gets race-derived gearbox software - named the 'F1 Superfast' - which reduces each paddleshift to 60 milliseconds. There's also a newly integrated electronic driver aid system which combines the 'E-diff' electronic differential with traction and stability control, to enhance performance in each setting.

The Scuderia will first be seen in the metal when it's unveiled by Michael Schumacher at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

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Robotic cars for the future?

Are Robotic Cars a reallity? Well over the past 10 years companies have been developing Cars to enter the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) challenge and have made significant progress.

The DARPA Urban Challenge is a vehicle research and development program with the goal of developing technology that will keep war fighters off the battlefield and out of harm’s way.

The Urban Challenge features cars maneuvering in a mock city environment, executing simulated military supply missions while merging into moving traffic, navigating traffic circles, negotiating busy intersections, and avoiding obstacles.

The program is conducted as a series of qualification steps leading to a competitive final event, scheduled to take place on November 3, 2007. The exact location will be announced before the National Qualification Event scheduled for October 2007. DARPA is offering $2M for the fastest qualifying vehicle, and $1M and $500,000 for second and third place.This program is an outgrowth of two previous DARPA Grand Challenge autonomous vehicle competitions.

We are starting to see some of this technology transfer into everyday cars, for example the Mercedes C Class with the new Pre-safe system and the selective dampening systems.

DARPA Challege website

Mercedese C Class official site

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UK has highest fuel tax in European Union

New statistics released this week show that the UK pays more in fuel taxes per litre than any other EU country. Howver on the positive side the UK does spend more per mile for road maintenance.

Figures compiled by the European Union Road Federation show that fuel duty accounts for 46 pence in every litre of petrol and diesel bought in Britain last year. That’s more than twice as much as Greek drivers were taxed, and nearly two-and-a-half times what those in Lithuania pay.

However, British roads are expected to last 75 years – far longer than nearly all its European partners’ networks. The UK pays £2,391 per mile to keep its routes in working order, compared with Germany’s £1,510 and Lithuania’s tiny £125.

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Canadian super-coupe echoes McLaren F1

Locus, a new Canadian Company have developed a new supercar - The Plethore. This new car has the same seat configuration as the McLaren F1 supercar, with the driver seated in the middle position and the passengers seated further back and at each side.

It will be offered with a choice of two power outputs: an entry-level 750bhp, and a scary-sounding 1,300bhp. No further details have yet been released on the car's powertrain but the brave can sign up now: prices start at wopping £155,300 . Canada may not be known for its home-grown products but it's actually one of the world's most prolific car-building nations. More cars are now built in the province of Ontario than in the US state of Michigan, traditionally the heartland of American car manufacture.

Fiat launch a virtual showroom

Fiat has launched a sophisticated 'virtual showroom' website which makes browsing and buying its cars easier than ever.

The site - available at Fiat UK . Top features include a car configurator which allows users to choose their car model, spec, colour and accessories - that's nothing new, but Fiat's site simplifies the process by packing it all into one colourful screen and sends details to a local dealer once you're finished. There's also a finance payment planner and a real-time chatroom link with Fiat HQ so you can discuss your potential purchase. It's worth a look - expect other manufacturers to follow suit in coming months.

New Ferrari Dino in the works?

Ferrari Deputy Managing Director Amedo Felisa and CEO Luca Cordero di Montezemolo have both denied plans for a new low-end model, but rumors continue to circulate from within the Italian automaker the a new car is most definitely in the works.

The car will reportedly arrive in 2009, and share a platform with the upcoming replacement to the Maserati GT coupe. Like the forthcoming Alfa Romeo 8C, the new Dino will make use of carbon fiber and aluminum to keep weight low. Power will come from a 400 horsepower V8, and annual volume is expected around 4,000 units.

McLaren summoned to FIA hearing

The FIA has decided to call McLaren to appear before the World Motor Sports Council on July 26th, 2007, to answer questions about the alleged possetion of confidential Ferrari documents. Last week McLaren suspended there Chief designer Mike Coughlin after a 700 page document belonging to Ferrari was discovered during a serch of his home.

For this to happen the FIA must believe that McLaren are in breach of Atricle 151c which deals with "any fraudulent conduct or any act prejudicial to the interests of any competition or to the interests of motor sport generally.

A McLaren statement read: "McLaren is extremely disappointed to note that it has been asked by the FIA to answer a charge of being in possession of certain documents and confidential information belonging to Ferrari."

"Whilst McLaren wishes to continue its full co-operation with any investigation into this matter, it does wish to make it very clear that the documents and confidential information were only in the possession of one currently suspended employee on an unauthorised basis and no element of it has been used in relation to McLaren's Formula One cars."

If McLaren are found in breach of Article 151c the FIA could fine or even disqulify the team. To impose a ban, the FIA would need to prove that Coughlan made use of the information he had - either in accommodating Ferrari design features on the McLaren or in adapting McLaren strategy in light of what he knew about Ferrari. Should that happen, Hamilton and Alonso could be thrown out of the world championship.

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Car Feature - New Ford Mondeo

The car made its public debut at the Paris Motor Show last September

The new car clearly uses Fords new Iosis styling concept - revealed at the Frankfurt show in 2005. The front, of the car has a dramatic new look, with triangular chrome air intakes, which frame a gaping lower grille. On either side are twin spotlamps, while large headlights and a three-bar grille finish off the new Mondeo's nose. The end result is a front end that's much bolder than before.

Other neat details include the raised bonnet creases, which run to the base of the A-pillars, while the rising shoulder line and small glass area give the Mondeo a sporty profile. The steeply raked tailgate and roof spoiler continue that theme, while extended wheel­arches, sporty bulging sills, chrome-backed LED tail-lights and a protective silver bumper guard are further neat touches.

The basic entry-level engine options will include 1.6-litre petrol and 1.8-litre turbodiesel units, but the big seller is expected to be the 2.0-litre turbodiesel. A 2.0-litre petrol model is also set to appear, as well as a top-of-the-range 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged petrol version.


This new ford has a lot of competition in this sector of the market. Can it keep up the previous sales success of the earlier version where 1 in 5 of all saloons in the is class where Ford Mondeo's

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Manchester Congestion Charge

Greater Manchester's 10 councils will soon decide whether to bid for a £3bn government package of public transport investment and a congestion charge.

It has now become Manchester top issue and has been generating lots of opposition. It has become a major issue for Manchester due to the expansion of businesses and living accommodation in the city centre with the consequential increase in traffic. Increasing traffic also increases pollution and congestion.

Identified as one of the fastest-growing cities outside London and it's set to add over 200,000 jobs by 2015. Unfortunately this increase in number will add to the problem and the councils say: doing nothing is not an option.

Motorists may have to pay up to £5 to enter Manchester city centre as part of congestion fee plans set to be unveiled this week. Pay-as-you-go tariffs will be introduced within the M60 which would target 15 roads into Manchester.

Drivers would pay £2 to enter an outer zone and another £1 to get into the city centre at peak times. They would then be charged a further £1 to leave each of the zones.

Greater Manchester is among 10 areas in England which have received Government money to develop possible congestion-beating plans in the hope of getting finance under the Transport Innovation Fund (TIF).

This is exactly how London started off with a small congestion charge that next year will be as much as £25 per car. Is Manchester next?

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