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500 firebreather ready for the off

A blurred image in a...

A blurred image in a photo... these are the first official glimpses allowed by Vauxhall of the new Astra. And the teaser shots give enough clues to confirm the hatch looks like becoming the second Griffin with wings!

A combination of jet...

A combination of jet lag, tradition and technology means that I’m writing this column at an absurdly unsociable hour from my temporary office-cum-studio on one of the best-known driving streets in the most notorious car city on the planet. I’m jet lagged because I’ve just travelled from China, which is eight hours ahead of the UK, to Los Angeles which is eight hours behind. So it’s little wonder that my body clock is more troubled than a Ford corporate accountant and I’m wide awake at 3.30am, penning these words on the eve of the LA Auto Show.

A famous Big Cat is...

A famous Big Cat is about to roar into view again. This silver dream

A former student of...

A former student of the RCA in London, Wouda spent six years in the Czech republic designing for Skoda. Between 2000 and 2006 he worked on projects such as the Roomster and the forthcoming Yeti, before moving to Germany to head up exterior design at the Volkswagen Design Center in Potsdam, near Berlin. Wouda is head of exterior design and team leader for the VW Concept BlueSport project.

After 12 glorious years...

After 12 glorious years, Ford called time on its groundbreaking Ka in 2008. But fans of the city runabout had plenty to cheer in Issue 1,014, when we revealed the look of its replacement.

After 23 cars self-combusted...

After 23 cars self-combusted, the French manufacturer was forced to recall and fix 28,000 vehicles built before May 2003. The fires, which all happened in Sweden, Norway and Denmark, only related to 1.6 or 2.0-litre petrol versions. All the cars went up in flames while the engine was turned off.

After making a flying...

After making a flying start to his new career at Ferrari by winning on his debut in Australia, the Finn has lost ground in recent races.

Afterwards, he said...

Afterwards, he said he needed another five laps to make it on to the podium, and added that despite his performance, he hadnтЂ™t reconsidered his decision to call it a day after 16 years in F1

A head on collision...

A head on collision between two cars doing 40mph is still likely to be fatal, and speedo watching, brain dead driving makes this more likely on country lanes

Already firmly established...

Already firmly established on the Continent as a manufacturer of high-end satellite navigation and in-car entertainment systems, German firm Becker is now aiming to become a major player in the UK market, too.

Although the Brit has...

Although the Brit has impressed in claiming back-to-back European F3 and GP2 titles, the 21-year-old now has the daunting prospect of partnering the double world champion in a team that expects to win grands prix.

Although the car isn"t...

Although the car isn"t due in the UK until autumn, we brought you an initial glimpse of it in our issue 786 spy shots. And now the model has been officially launched in its native country, we"ve got the first pictures. The Gen.2 is a big step forward for Proton, with a fresh look that blends the best bits of many of today"s most popular vehicles. While the headlights are similar to those on BMW"s 6-Series, the most distinctive features are at the rear, where sweeping tail-lamps emphasise the sloping roofline.

Although the current...

Although the current drop-top has been a huge hit - fending off competition from the Audi A4, Mercedes CLK and Saab 9-3 in the premium convertible sector - the mag"s exclusive shots show how BMW aims to raise the stakes by being the first to create a coupнѓ©-cabrio.

A major undercover investigation...

A major undercover investigation by Auto Express has revealed the scale of the problem - and just how easy it is to do. Our man Mat Watson used a 1988 Renault 5 bought on the Continent to park illegally, travel in bus lanes and even dodge London"s congestion charge.

America’s going...

America’s going into hyperdrive! It’s been a while, but Vector is back – and it’s aiming to steal the thunder of European supercar makers by building the world’s fastest vehicle.

An all-new Fabia vRS...

An all-new Fabia vRS is due on sale next year, but Skoda is marking the success of the outgoing car with an exclusive limited model.

And as with its predecessor...

And as with its predecessor, the latest Coupé has been facelifted twice in its lifetime. The first revisions came in 2004, but this makeover, unveiled at a motor show in China, represents the model"s biggest overhaul yet.

And he had another VIP...

And he had another VIP limo ride booked so that he could exit Television Centre quickly, comfortably and without having to brave the early morning chill. Furthermore, I couldn"t resist pulling my return rail ticket out of my pocket and explaining that I - one of those evil, planet-destroying motorists - had chosen to travel by train that day.

And if the trials prove...

And if the trials prove successful, they could signal a gooey end to dangerous, high-speed pursuits. The technology uses gas-propelled tracker darts which are launched from a squad car"s radiator grille to tag the target vehicle. Officers can then back off and watch the crooks" progress on a computer screen.

And its introduction...

And its introduction means the gloves are now off in the battle to be hot hatch king, as the car will go head-to-head with the forthcoming Ford Focus ST. Both are aimed at keen drivers, with VW desperate to address criticisms that the MkIV GTI was too soft for fans of the coveted original model.

And the deal couldn"t...

And the deal couldn"t have got off to a better start - Chevy will unveil this stylish new SUV, the S3X, at the Paris Motor Show this week. A seven-seater with a cabin layout adapted from the Vauxhall Zafira"s, it will be available in 2.0-litre diesel and as-yet-unknown petrol guise from early 2006.

And VW, the jolly green...

And VW, the jolly green giant behind its development, says it could hit the pumps as early as this year. The car maker says SunFuel, the latest synthetic petrol, can cut carbon dioxide emissions by up to 90 per cent, dramatically reducing greenhouse gases.

And while this model...

And while this model has been converted into a van with blacked-out rear windows and no seats in the back, it"s more than simply a commercial Corsa.

Andy Scott is a prime...

Andy Scott is a prime example. He works in product development for the Japanese manufacturer, but leads a double life as race engineer for James Kaye, Synchro"s driver in the Independents" Cup of the Green Flag British Touring Car Championship. He told us: "Sacrifices have to be made. It requires a lot of commitment, and we recruit people at the beginning of each season. But the number of volunteers tails off as it progresses." Most of the enthusiasts have been involved for a number of years, but according to Andy, there are no restrictions on who can and can"t join in. "Some people are pen-pushers at work," he explained. "It"s not so much about ability as a willingness to learn." The team is made up of around 15 people, but there"s none of the luxury trappings often associated with motorsport for them.

Around 32 per cent of...

Around 32 per cent of all vehicles written off each year are deemed too dangerous to return to the roads by insurance companies

As our picture shows...

As our picture shows, the device uses a special kind of solid polyurethane foam moulded to fit snugly around the engine. The idea is that it prevents heat escaping overnight, so when you start the vehicle in the morning the unit is still warm, easing the ignition process and boosting fuel consumption by up to eight per cent.

A spokesman for the...

A spokesman for the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which stages the event, told Auto Express: "Everything is up for grabs - and that includes the venue." The news will be a blow to the thousands of Midlands companies which get a massive profits boost when the bi-annual expo is on.

As the worldтЂ™s brightest...

As the worldтЂ™s brightest boffins gathered in Geneva to fire up the doomed Large Hadron Collider particle accelerator, BMW was hoping its world first тЂ“ a four-wheel-drive MINI тЂ“ would prove more successful. We showed the first official pictures of the model, and confirmed earlier reports that the firm planned to give the Clubman a bigger, wackier-looking AWD brother.

Aston Martin is ready...

Aston Martin is ready to take the supercar market by storm with this sensational new super-Vantage – its fastest accelerating road car ever.

A stunning new Mercedes...

A stunning new Mercedes sports car is about to take flight тЂ“ feast your eyes on the SLK Gullwing! Auto Express has learned that the German firm is planning a baby brother to its forthcoming flagship SLC supercar тЂ“ and whatтЂ™s more, itтЂ™s going to be a hybrid, too.

As with the other models...

As with the other models in the Luton firm"s sporting line-up, the facelifted Vectra"s bodywork has been given a muscular makeover. A deep front airdam sits below the trademark V-grille, but all the silver trim found on other variants is removed for a sportier look.

At last, Citroen is...

At last, Citroen is opening up about its all-new family car! Following our scoop shots earlier this year, the company has finally revealed the newcomer for the first time in the shape of this stunning convertible.

At the Frankfurt Motor...

At the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, a raft of new variants across the firm’s model range will debut – from the Corsa and Meriva to the Vectra and Signum. The newcomers will be badged ecoFLEX, and are set to feature a number of clever technologies, including low-capacity turbo engines. Each will be the cleanest, most efficient car in its respective model line-up.

Audi has confirmed it...

Audi has confirmed it will launch a new electric flagship sports car in the next few years. Based on the e-tron concept car, revealed at this year"s Frankfurt Motor Show, the production version will launch at the end of 2012 - in a limited production run of 1,000 models.

Auto Express drove the...

Auto Express drove the stunning newcomer alongside its famous predecessor to see if the legend really has returned.

Auto Express has learned...

Auto Express has learned that Toyota is considering naming an entire range after its hi-tech hybrid car - in the same way as it created the Lexus badge for its most expensive machines.

Auto Express"s top German...

Auto Express"s top German contacts have uncovered plans for a striking new entry-level MINI rival that will see the firm take on BMW"s baby for the first time.

Back in 2003, the US...

Back in 2003, the US firm pulled the covers off the Avenger concept at the Detroit Motor Show, but bosses chose not to use the name on the first wave of Dodge models. Instead, the Caliber compact family hatch arrives in July, while the Nitro SUV will follow in the first half of next year.

Based on information...

Based on information from Auto Express sources in Germany, the mag"s images reveal exactly what we have to look forward to. Delivering all the thrills of the Golf GTI in a more performance oriented package, the Scirocco will be VW"s first fully fledged coupнѓ© since the Corrado was axed in 1996.

Before each accident...

Before each accident we were stationary for some time, minding our own business and doing nothing wrong. The other drivers concerned seemingly made no attempt to brake or take evasive action. And I mention the following not to score points, but because it"s a fact: the guilty parties were both women. Being the sort of bloke he is, Brewer"s shunt was bigger, bolder, badder, braver and bloodier than the one I had. But I was blessed with the presence of a very bright witness who went beyond the call of duty by calming everyone down, organising the all-important exchange of names and addresses and - most gratifying of all - comforting the kids in my car.

Belt message still saving lives

BentleyтЂ™s Arnage range...

BentleyтЂ™s Arnage range has come to the end of the line тЂ“ and the firm is bowing out with this final edition of its flagship car.

Between 1994 and 2000...

Between 1994 and 2000, the two British superstars dominated the UK round of the World Rally Championship, taking no less than six victories in a golden era for the sport.

Beware of stolen vehicle...

Beware of stolen vehicle registration certificates when you buy your next used car – that’s the warning from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). It has told consumers not to consider motors if the serial number of the reg document, also known as the V5C or logbook, falls between those in our table (below).

BMW ace Andy Priaulx...

BMW ace Andy Priaulx has vowed to recapture his World Touring Car Championship title after losing top spot to SEAT star Yvan Muller.

Bosses at Mercedes are...

Bosses at Mercedes are committing the brand to a fuel cell future. AlongТside a raft of other eco-friendly plans revealed at the Geneva Motor Show, they claimed that a hydrogen-powered model would be in dealerships within the next seven years.

Britain’s Jenson...

Britain’s Jenson Button has admitted that winning his first-ever grand prix was easy. The Honda driver took his and the Japanese team’s debut victory in the Hungarian Grand Prix, after coming through from 14th on the grid.

Buried several paragraphs...

Buried several paragraphs into a statement about the recent Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, the firm says: "VW"s current technical strengths and enriched model lines are simply one wave of a torrent of new models. Further down the line, these will include a 2+2 sport coupнѓ© that harks to the heyday of the Scirocco." The news follows bosses" confirmation of the existence of a coupнѓ© at an American dealer conference in August and proves that sports car fans have got a lot to look forward to. Volkswagen added one final indication of when we might see the coupнѓ© in the metal, stating: "Look for more exciting Volkswagens at next year"s SEMA show."

But despite its action...

But despite its action adventure appearance, the jaw-dropper, known as Nero, has nothing to do with the silver screen. Penned at Audi"s design centre in California, these official pictures reveal the firm"s vision of the future.

But the negatives are...

But the negatives are equally numerous and dramatic; the car has a seemingly incurable addiction to petrol and oil, there are questions over its durability and there"s a perception that it"s horribly expensive to run. This, after all, is a model which, within the past month, has won the prestigious "Best Handling" and dubious "Worst Running Costs" awards in Auto Express"s annual reliability and satisfaction survey.

But there is good news...

But there is good news for diehard MINI traditionalists - the new grille is getting bigger and will echo more closely the look of the original Mini, introduced 45 years ago.

But you don’t...

But you don’t have to wait until then to see it, thanks to exclusive spy pictures in this week"s Auto Express, which clearly reveal the front of the all-new model.

Car of the Year Awards

Citroen had spectators...

Citroen had spectators falling over each other to look at the glamorous but green line-up on its motorshow stand - and this year it arrived with no less than five new UK show debuts!

Citroen"s latest masterpiece...

Citroen"s latest masterpiece looks set to turn rivals green with envy. Auto Express brought you exclusive spy shots of its new supermini MPV last month. Now, official pictures of the C3 Picasso have arrived тЂ“ and

Comfort-biased models...

Comfort-biased models in the fresh line-up will get a traditional-style nose, with the three-pointed star sitting on top of the bonnet. But designers have given driver-focused Sport variants a more aggressive look, with the famous badge set into the front grille.

Compact MPV buyers generally...

Compact MPV buyers generally have a choice: a boxy, van-like car or a big, swollen hatchback. The Mercedes B-Class and VW Golf Plus fall in the latter camp, and both models sit at the premium end of the market.

Could 3 really be the...

Could 3 really be the magic number for Mazda? If these latest spy shots are anything to go by, the answer is almost certain to be yes.

Could this be the car...

Could this be the car to reverse Subaru"s declining fortunes in the UK? With like for like sales down almost 60 percent in March, the Japanese firm is certainly hoping so...

Could this be the car...

Could this be the car that finally cements AudiтЂ™s reputation as the worldтЂ™s greatest sports car manufacturer?

Could this be the fastest...

Could this be the fastest SUV in the world? German firm VW has pulled the wraps of its new high performance Touareg, the R50.

Created by Nissan’s...

Created by Nissan’s North American division, the Forum is intended to appeal to both drivers and passengers. While its shape isn’t particularly revolutionary, the futuristic MPV body is wrapped around a huge cabin.

Credit crunch? What...

Credit crunch? What credit crunch?! A leaked dealer brochure from the US has revealed details of the new gullwing Mercedes SLS AMGрЂ™s options list рЂ“ and if you want to spec your car to the max, youрЂ™ll need deep pockets!

Crossover concepts are...

Crossover concepts are the order of the day! Following close behind the Acura ZDX which broke cover yesterday, Hyundai has revealed a coupe-style SUV of its own. Called the Nuvis Concept, Hyundai has taken a leaf out of the BMW X6тЂ™s book by mating imposing SUV dimensions with svelte lines and a luxury finish.

C’mon, let’s...

C’mon, let’s be honest. We can moan as much as we like about how franchised dealers are greedier than Heather Mills McCartney, and indeed they are. But, at the end of the day, it’s our apathy that lets them get away with charging nearly as much per hour for their mechanics’ time as you’d pay to hire a barrister. Or charter a private jet.

Czech giant Skoda is...

Czech giant Skoda is set to join the space race with an eagerly anticipated estate based on the huge Superb.

Daylight armed robbery...

Daylight armed robbery – that’s what it seems like. Nearly three grand for a well used 1998 Vauxhall Vectra, a dented Ford Mondeo for чЈ3,250 or an old Vauxhall Omega at чЈ3,450? Surely not! But the price is right on these cars – in fact, they’re a bit of a bargain.

Designed to silence...

Designed to silence critics of the original - who said the 2001 model lacked visual drama and road presence - the facelifted C5 sports a challenging look. It"s sure to meet with a wave of approval from die-hard Citroen fans.

. Designers were aiming...

. Designers were aiming for a more masculine look, with new headlamps added along with extra air intakes in the sides, and a sharper appearance at the rear

Despite claiming two...

Despite claiming two wins out of two in its preparations for next month’s Le Mans 24 Hours, Peugeot is playing down its chances of beating reigning champion Audi. Having claimed victory on its debut at Monza in April, the French squad’s diesel 908 won again in Valencia, Spain.

Despite the recent launch...

Despite the recent launch of the second-generation A-Class, the company hopes that the car seen in the mag will break new ground. It will be marketed as a luxury compact MPV, an upmarket alternative to small people carriers from volume manufacturers.

Details about the two...

Details about the two new machines remain a closely guarded secret, but a spokeswoman for PSA revealed they would be based on the replacement for the Japanese firm"s Shogun Pinin, which is pictured above. She added: "This tie-up will allow us to enter a completely new market, but the vehicle will be developed so it is in keeping with our own product range."

Don’t want to...

Don’t want to risk the interior of your pride and joy by ferrying around bricks, rubbish or garden waste? Perhaps your car is simply not big enough to carry rubble? Then a trailer is the answer.

Do our numerous speed...

Do our numerous speed enforcement agents really have any more credibility than a pair of dodgy Croat traffic policemen?

Driving school’s offsetting lesson

Engineers are currently...

Engineers are currently working on two machines, one of which will be a new version of the flagship LS. However, first to hit the road will be the GS350 GT, which was unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show. Expected in August 2005 and aimed at the Mercedes E55 AMG, it will mark Lexus" first anniversary of sales in Japan, and sport a 300bhp 3.5-litre V6 mated to a 170bhp electric motor. Offering an astounding 470bhp, the car will feature all-wheel drive and be capable of around 60mpg.

Even if you own a brand...

Even if you own a brand new car, the cabin will soon fall victim to everyday dirt and dust. There is a huge choice of products available to keep the grime at bay, and Nielsen’s Interior Trim Cleaner is the latest arrival. So we put it through its paces.

Everyone has to stick...

Everyone has to stick to the rules of the road тЂ“ even Auto Express! But when our road tester Ross Pinnock was fined for obstructing a junction, even though the camera footage showed that he clearly wasnтЂ™t, we stepped in.

Every racing driver...

Every racing driver has his favourite track. In the past, it might have been the fearsome Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany or the original Spa in Belgium where, 40 years ago, average lap speeds often topped 160mph.

Exclusive images in...

Exclusive images in this week"s issue show VW"s reinvented Polo! The daring new model is set to replace the current car in around 18 months’ time – and Auto Express has all the details about the exciting arrival.

Experiments show that...

Experiments show that drivers react more slowly when indicator lights are positioned nearer the centre of the car, rather than when they are fitted close to the outside edges of the body.

Fancy a trip to the...

Fancy a trip to the ultimate Fiat dealership? It’s located on top of the famous Lingotto test track in Turin, and the best bit about the glass-roofed sales floor is that all you need to visit it is a computer with Internet access.

Feast your eyes on Rolls-RoyceтЂ™s...

Feast your eyes on Rolls-RoyceтЂ™s new baby! These are the first official pictures of a smaller, more compact version of the Phantom thatтЂ™s set to go on sale in 2010, gunning for top-end versions of MercedesтЂ™ S-Class and the Bentley Continental Flying Spur.

Featuring a body that...

Featuring a body that hints at the forthcoming M1 performance model, the 1-Series caught in this week"s mag was being snapped in South Africa for its official brochure. The top-secret model was rolled out on a section of closed road. Unfortunately for BMW, our spies were on the scene to bring us the pictures first!

Ferrari is targeting...

Ferrari is targeting winning the constructors’ championship after victory in Japan for Fernando Alonso and Renault virtually handed the Spaniard a second consecutive drivers’ title.

Firstly, it will become...

Firstly, it will become a production car - and secondly, it"s going to be built at the manufacturer"s Sunderland plant.

First, the AA Motoring...

First, the AA Motoring Trust, and it has suggested motorcyclists are getting a raw deal from road authorities who are not giving enough attention to road safety measures for riders.

Flash, fun and four-wheel...

Flash, fun and four-wheel drive тЂ“ BMW claims to have created an all-new class of cars with the X6, which it is billing as the worldтЂ™s very first Sports Activity Vehicle. And the model has one aim: to be the best-handling, most desirable off-roader on the market.

Following the sensational...

Following the sensational spyshots of develчopment mules we brought you in Issue 901, we have the clearest pictures yet of how the blue oval"s most exciting entrant into the off-roader market will look.

Following the spy shots...

Following the spy shots we printed in issue 851, these are the first official pictures of the saloon and estate. They reveal how the car has been inspired by the 9X concept, first unveiled at the same exhibition four years ago.

For a brief moment in...

For a brief moment in 2005, the German-based outfit appeared to be on the verge of serious success

Ford, Britain"s market...

Ford, Britain"s market leader (in sales, at least), has already done that. And if you look at the sheer size of the GM empire, do you really see it having any loyalty to Vauxhall"s Luton and Ellesmere Port plants? Or the brand, come to that? And could the same rules apply one day in the future to blue oval-owned Jaguar and Land Rover? Only Bill Ford at world HQ in Dearborn, USA, knows for sure. But I know this: the Eastern bloc has taken over from Britain as the number one location in Europe for big, ambitious companies to set up shop if they"re looking for a friendly pro-car welcome, low-tax Governments and capable, willing workers.

Ford is going mean and...

Ford is going mean and green with the Focus RS. Our exclusive pictures show the blue ovalтЂ™s hottest-ever hatch is set to get stunning looks to match its scorching performance when it arrives early in 2009.

Ford looks sure to rouse...

Ford looks sure to rouse interest from buyers who may not have otherwise considered an SUV

Forget him at your peril!...

Forget him at your peril! Anthony Davidson is the fourth Briton in this year’s Formula One title race – lining up next to Jenson Button, David Coultчhard and fellow rookie Lewis Hamilton.

Forget Manchester United"s...

Forget Manchester United"s spat with Chelsea, the long-running Labour vs Conservative battle, and the Big Brother bust-up involving the delicious Shilpa Shetty and the foul Jade Goody. The clash that"s more intriguing than any other in 2007 centres on two German car manufacturers. Last month, this magazine asked one of the biggest product-related questions of the year: will the Audi R8, which is due in showrooms this summer, be better than the Porsche 911?

Former Formula One world...

Former Formula One world champion McLaren Mercedes lives to fight another day! The Woking-based team narrowly escaped serious sanctions after the FIAтЂ™s World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) found it guilty of bringing the sport into disrepute.

Formula One drivers...

Formula One drivers could be going for gold next year! Under radical new proposals, the current scoring system is set to be overhauled, with the first three finishers of a grand prix being awarded Olympic style medals.

From supercars to a...

From supercars to a supermini! These are the amazing pictures that will have car fans shaking their heads in disbelief. But it really is true...

Get set for the ultimate...

Get set for the ultimate new car clash of 2008! Auto Express is first to bring the brand new Vauxhall Insignia face-to-face with its arch rival... the Ford Mondeo.

Goodwood certainly has...

Goodwood certainly has it all, from the chain-driven clatter of Edwardian racers to the shrill shriek of the latest Formula One technology

Governing body the FIA...

Governing body the FIA has signed off new regulations to be phased in from the start of 2008. These include a dramatic reduction in aerodynamics, the introduction of energy recovery devices and the possible use of bio-fuels.

Has it really been 35...

Has it really been 35 years...? Motoring journalist and screen writer Brock Yates wondered aloud. Yes, it has! On 15 November 1971, Yates and racing legend Dan Gurney climbed into a Ferrari Daytona and blasted, non-stop, from New York to Los Angeles in 35 hours and 54 minutes, averaging 80.8 miles per hour. They defeated seven other teams, including a huge Travco motorhome and a Cadillac driven by three men who had answered an advertisement in the local paper, placed by the elderly Caddy owner, who wanted someone to deliver the car to California. It was not to be driven at more than 70mph, the ad had stated - but it was.

Here are the pictures...

Here are the pictures that show Audi is on a real charge when it comes to electric sports cars.

Here are the pictures...

Here are the pictures that prove VauxhallтЂ™s Insignia is loading up on style. Following on from the unveil of the hatchback and saloon at the British Motor Show in July, the wraps are off the estate.

Here’s a juicy...

Here’s a juicy addition to Citroen’s range – the C3 Pluriel Kiwi! The limited-edition drop-top gets special yellow/green metallic paint and unique alloys. Inside, there is black leather on the seats, steering wheel and door handles, while air-con is fitted as standard.

Here’s an MPV...

Here’s an MPV with attitude! This is Citroen’s rugged Berlingo Multiчspace XTR.

Here’s former...

Here’s former Auto Express Accessory of the Year Smartnav’s latest Touchscreen – bringing the call centre sat-nav system with live traffic information closer to conventional rivals.

Here"s Mercedes’...

Here"s Mercedes’ latest SL – the AMG Black Edition – spied testing in Germany. And instead of the standard car’s folding top, it has a fixed carbon fibre roof.

Here"s some new technology...

Here"s some new technology which is designed to get motorists into a tight spot – it’s the world’s first car that parks itself!

HereтЂ™s a look at BMWтЂ™s...

HereтЂ™s a look at BMWтЂ™s new 740d, the most powerful diesel luxury car ever produced by the firm.

Hi-tech boxes go past million mark

Hold onto your hats...

Hold onto your hats, the most powerful Bentley convertible ever has blown in! We brought you spy shots of the Bentley GTC Speed back in October, but these are the first official pictures of the 200mph drop-top.

Hold on to your helmets...

Hold on to your helmets... Mansell is back on track at Silverstone! ‘Our Nige’ will be turning back the clock and reviving memories of his glory years as the Grand Prix Masters makes its UK debut next month.

Honda is to build an...

Honda is to build an affordable hybrid - and Auto Express has all the details live from the Tokyo Show.

Hot hatch fans rejoice...

Hot hatch fans rejoice тЂ“ the Golf GTI is getting a little brother!

How about some vroom...

How about some vroom with a view? The new Vauxhall Astra"s interior has finally been revealed in its entirety, and as expected it"s aiming for the top of the class with mix of upmarket fabrics and ambitious design.

Hummer is getting ready...

Hummer is getting ready to sling a bit of mud at Land Rover! This is the HX Concept, a small, open-air model which points towards the US brand’s plans for a compact SUV to compete head-on with the Freelander.

If I ever write a book...

If I ever write a book about Longbridge and the firm that lived and died at that Midlands car factory-cum-morgue, it will be called: MG Rover: Murder or Suicide? As the corpse remains warm and the post-mortem is still ongoing, it"s far too early to know the answer. But my provisional conclusion is that the irresponsible parents known as the Phoenix Four were responsible for malnourishing the factory so badly, it had to be put on a life-support machine. And that"s when the equally cruel Whitehall Two allowed the MG Rover company to be subjected to involuntary, state-sponsored, unjustifiable homicide.

If the new Evo X isn"t...

If the new Evo X isn"t exciting enough for you, then this could be the answer. Called the Concept-RA, it features rakish coupe styling, a powerful diesel motor and grippy all-wheel drive chassis.

IF you thought the standard...

IF you thought the standard SLR was sensational, take a look at this! Called the SLR Stirling Moss, it"s been built to pay homage to one of MercedesтЂ™ most successful racing drivers of all time.

If you"ve never driven...

If you"ve never driven on a track before or feel a little rusty and need to improve your technique, then this day is designed especially for you. Our team will guide you through every aspect of trackday driving, from basic car preparation to that all-important racing line.

Ignore the decals and...

Ignore the decals and Recaro sports seats on this race series MINI, and what have you got? The closest thing yet to official pictures of the John Cooчper Works edition of the new MkII car.

I have been working...

I have been working my socks off on an exciting new programme that lifts the lid on the tricks car salesmen use. It"s called Autotrader, and is essentially the motoring equivalent of the Penn and Teller Show. But instead of revealing how magic tricks work, with the help of my fully kitted out dealership - complete with garage, showroom and even genuine punters - I explain how not to get stitched up when buying or selling a motor.

In a brilliant sportscar...

In a brilliant sportscar career, the 37-year-old Scot has triumphed in just about every major international GT race with Audi, with the notable exception of Le Mans. And that’s a jinx McNish sadly failed to break at the weekend in France, despite dominating the 75th running of the classic event in the R10 he shared with team-mates Dindo Capello and Tom Kristensen.

In an exclusive study...

In an exclusive study for Auto Express, Admiral Insurance looked at the loyalty of stricken motorists. And its investigation produced some unexpected results.

In news that will disappoint...

In news that will disappoint UK buyers, MINI has confirmed that the ‘suicide’ rear door on its new Clubman estate will only be fitted on the driver’s side, and not the passenger side.

Insiders at the Spanish...

Insiders at the Spanish maker have shown undisguised pictures of the new model to one of the mag"s spies - from which he has drawn up our exclusive images. And it comes as no surprise that the styling and shape of the Altea MPV has been carried over to the Leon hatch.

Is it me? Or is 2007...

Is it me? Or is 2007 flying by? It only seems like yesterday that I was putting the Christmas baubles up in the loft, and today I"m chasing the fast-growing grass round the garden on the lawnmower as summer arrives. I"ve got so many things to do this year that I hope it slows down so I can catch my breath. So far in 2007 I"ve signed up for another series of Pulling Power for ITV1, which starts in August. I"ll also be presenting the TT races on the Isle of Man in late May, and it"s now my sixth year as host of the British Rally Championship for Sky Sports. But my big job of the year has just taken place. It"s one I enjoy and always look forward to. Auto Express readers will now have read the results that get car showroom bosses and manufacturers trembling like a turkey being shown the Cranberry sauce.

Is this the unfairest...

Is this the unfairest motoring tax ever? Levies on owning and driving a car have existed for a century. But parking on private land has traditionally been entirely free.

ITALIAN giant Fiat has...

ITALIAN giant Fiat has a new addition to the Bravo range. The hatch now comes with a 120bhp 1.4-litre T-Jet unit, which claims to give performance, emissions and economy on a par with normally aspirated 1.6-litre rivals. There is a choice of three trims: Active, at ?12,895, ?13,595 Active Sport and Dynamic, priced ?13,995.

it doesnрЂ™t take Nostradamus...

it doesnрЂ™t take Nostradamus to realise that slowing down gives you time to react if animals are in the road

It has a new owner тЂ“...

It has a new owner тЂ“ and is celebrating by unveiling a fresh car! As the deal to transfer control of Saab from GM to Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg was being wrapped up, the firm released the first official look at the all-new 9-5 that goes on sale next year.

It looks as though motorists...

It looks as though motorists are fast learners! Speeding fines have more than halved in the UK over the past year. The figures come from major vehicle hire firm National Car Rental.

It might look familiar...

It might look familiar, but these are the best shots yet of the next-generation Porsche 911, codenamed the 998, that will replace the current car in 2011. As with every iteration of the iconic 911, styling changes are subtle although there are some interesting features on this test mule that will whet the appetite of 911 fans.

I took part in a BBC...

I took part in a BBC Watchdog programme with these people. I listened to their over-simplistic arguments and witnessed their bullying tactics, and concluded if they"re really interested in the fact that there"s limited road space, they"d be asking why a bus occupies so much of that valuable space whether it"s full or - more often than not - half empty.

It’s a match that...

It’s a match that could have been made in heaven! Italian manufacturer Alfa Romeo has joined forces with British motorsport specialist Prodrive to produce a thrilling new version of the Brera, badged simply Brera S.

It’s an obvious...

It’s an obvious question, but it’s one I’m embarrassed to answer: “What sumptuous machines have you got in your garage, Tiff?”. I know I’m expected to own either a Porsche or a Ferrari, or probably both. And I simply hate to disappoint, but the truth is it’s... well, a Honda quad bike and the flail mower I tow behind it! Of course there are a couple of cars in the drive – the well worn family Mercedes ML320 SUV with 105,000 miles on the clock and my latest long-term test machine, a manual BMW 550i. But that’s it. And it does make me feel a bit guilty. As a true petrolhead, I feel I really ought to have something really special. But what...?

It’s the famous...

It’s the famous British marque that has won the Le Mans 24 Hours, raced against locomotives and produced some of the best luxury cars in the world. But now Bentley is heading into uncharted territory... by going off-road.

It"s a hit for 6! These...

It"s a hit for 6! These are the first official pictures of Mazda’s new 6 family, which is making its world debut at this week’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

It"s a real shame that...

It"s a real shame that the favourite for next year’s championship has just retired. And no, I’m not going to start looking at Michael Schumacher through scarlet-tinted spectacles. He did some bad things during his career, and although he was a fantastic driver, he was a far from great sportsman. What he was brilliant at was never knowing when he was beaten. And he proved that for the umpteenth time on Sunday.

It"s a tough little...

It"s a tough little customer, that new Fiat 500. Tough enough to be awarded the top five-star crash test rating! Euro NCAP has given the Italian city car the highest possible score in its latest round of assessments.