Motorsport

Motorsport

26 YEARS AGO: Surprising...

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

A company official insisted...

A company official insisted that the MPV, unveiled recently at the Tokyo Motor Show, wasn"t simply a "pie in the sky" prototype. "There"s a lot of it which we will see in the future, particularly the seating arrangement," he confirmed. "It has three rows of two chairs, but the middle pair are the ones that fold out of the way. Traditionally, that"s always been the role of the rearmost seats."

A hybrid Z-car? ThatтЂ™s...

A hybrid Z-car? ThatтЂ™s the latest rumour from Japan, where industry insiders claim Nissan is preparing a new petrol-electric version of its V6-engined 370Z coupé.

Alfa fans are sure to...

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

Already bored of your...

Already bored of your factory-standard Zetec S? Then this could be the Fiesta for you! As part of Ford USтЂ™s ongoing campaign to promote the small hatchback stateside, itтЂ™s announced that it will be entering a pair of Rallycross Fiestas in this yearтЂ™s PikeтЂ™s Peak hillclimb.

Although the big 4x4...

Although the big 4x4 has spent 12 months testing on public roads, a heavy disguise has prevented our spy photographers from getting to grips with the newcomer"s unique design - until now.

Although there"s no...

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

Americans are mad about...

Americans are mad about their dogs. With an estimated canine population of 75 million, the US pet products and services industry was worth ТЈ30 billion last year aloneтЂ¦ Which might explain the thinking behind HondaтЂ™s Dog-Friendly concept, unveiled at the New York Motor Show this week.

Among the improvements...

Among the improvements on offer to the most discerning drivers is a power boost for the car"s 6.0-litre twin turbocharged W12 engine. With 630bhp - that"s nearly 80bhp more than the н‚бЈ115,000 standard model - expect the four-wheel-drive limousine to have a top speed of 200mph. An optional exhaust system will make it sound considerably more sporty, too.

An auto-dimming rear...

An auto-dimming rear view mirror is essential if you donтЂ™t want to be dazzled by the headlights of cars behind you. Not all vehicles have the devices as standard тЂ“ but now, you can add it to any car with this clip-on AlphaMirror.

And if parts look familiar...

And if parts look familiar, that"s because they are. The flanks in particular build on the firm"s Roomster concept, which debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2003.

And now web users have...

And now web users have a new ally: the Vehicle Safe Trading Advisory Group (VSTAG), an industry forum to combat motor-related fraud.

A new mesh grille is...

A new mesh grille is giving the Vectra and Signum the stainless-steel look. Available through the dealer network, the Irmscher add-on takes only 20 minutes to fit. For Corsa owners, meanwhile, there are substantial savings on a range of Irmscher alloy wheels, too. These come in 14-inch or 15-inch sizes – the same as the standard steel rims – so drivers can re-use their old tyres. And for motorists going abroad, Vauxhall is offering a Travel Pack – with a first aid kit, bulbs, safety triangle and fire extinguisher – for only ?49.

As part of a worldwide...

As part of a worldwide event involving registered enthusiasts, UK members were last month offered the chance to order one of 300 special Launch Edition cars. That was before they were made available nationwide this month, and standard models hit showrooms in November.

A spokesman revealed...

A spokesman revealed that GM would launch an Opel-badged version in mainland Europe next year. The model can"t be engineered for right-hand drive without raising the price, but Vauxhall MD Kevin Wale claimed there was every chance he"d bring it to the UK anyway. He said: "We would consider importing some LHD cars if we thought there was enough interest."

At last, here’s...

At last, here’s a sat-nav that’s right up your street – as it uses real photos of roads! The latest units from NDrive come pre-loaded with aerial pictures of 29 UK cities, helping driv?ers follow directions with real-life pictures of their surroundings.

Auto Express has set...

Auto Express has set itself the toughest challenge yet, to find the UKтЂ™s hardest roads to reach! Our epic journey took us from the dizzying heights of the Applecross Peninsula in the Scottish Highlands to the murky depths of the Dragonby Mine in Scunthorpe, Lincs тЂ“ where 160 miles of tunnels lie 90 metres under ground.

Being stranded with...

Being stranded with a flat could soon be a thing of the past тЂ“ as all new cars are to get tyre pressure monitors.

Bluetooth wireless technology...

Bluetooth wireless technology has already revolutionised the way we use our mobile phones in the car. And now, DIY mechanics are set to benefit, too – thanks to the latest kit from GEAR4.

Bosses said it previews...

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

Bumper sales, brought...

Bumper sales, brought in part by the 05-registration change on 1 March, saw 27,750 examples of the blue oval"s latest family hatch find new homes - which means the Focus outsold its nearest rival, the Astra (17,361), by a whopping 63 per cent.

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.

Check out the first...

Check out the first official picture of the new Skoda Superb!

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.

Choosing a green car...

Choosing a green car isn’t easy – especially if you live in the North! A Government-backed survey reveals garages in Yorkshire and Humberside are least likely to highlight how polluting a model is. Research by the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership found only 40 per cent of these counties’ dealers display Department for Transport stickers listing mpg and emissions bands (right) on forecourt models. In top-performing Wales, it was nearly 80 per cent.

Chunky alloy wheels...

Chunky alloy wheels and a revised front bumper pick the newcomer out from lesser models. Its larger grille improves air flow to keep the uprated engine and brakes cool, while wire mesh gives it a purposeful look.

Could the worldтЂ™s...

Could the worldтЂ™s smallest four-seat car also lift the crown as the worldтЂ™s smallest hybrid? According to one insider behind the record-breaking design of the tiny Toyota iQ, the answer is a resounding yes!

Could this be the world"s...

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

... definitive proof...

... definitive proof of Britчain"s five fastest roads. And Auto Express can exclusively reveal that the winчner is the A74(M) from Gretna to the M74 in Scotland.

Designed to capture...

Designed to capture the passion of football and the excitement of racing, the Superleague Formula kicks off in August next year with a field of identical 750bhp V12-powered single-seaters, each bearing the colours of a famous football club.

Despite a disappointing...

Despite a disappointing Monaco GP, the Brazilian said: "It"s important to carry on having good results. I hope to stay at Ferrari for several years."

Diesel cars were once...

Diesel cars were once bought for economy, but recently it is just as much their power as fuel-sipping qualities that are attracting people. And the new tuning box by V-Tech is designed to boost BMWтЂ™s 3.0-litre oil-burner even further тЂ“ simply by plugging into the standard wiring loom.

Even though WD-40 is...

Even though WD-40 is the worldтЂ™s number one multi-purpose lubricant, when you lose the red straw тЂ“ which helps with precision spraying тЂ“ it can be a real pain. But the company now aims to solve the problem once and for all with its new Smart Straw can.

Everything looked Fabi-a...

Everything looked Fabi-a on the Skoda stand. Despite having champagne- quaffing Bentley as its neighbour - with its stunning GT Speed - the Czech firm still managed to draw in enough crowds to fill every seat in the house.

Evolution with every...

Evolution with every revolution тЂ“ thatтЂ™s the bold claim Goodyear is making about its new OptiGrip tyre. The rubber is said to provide consistent performance, even as the tread depth decreases.

Externally, it"s set...

Externally, it"s set apart from lesser models with a new rear wing, a front lip spoiler and BBS alloys. But it"s the work carried out under the skin that will set pulses racing.

Faded black plastic...

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

Feast your eyes on the...

Feast your eyes on the A5 Sportback! AudiтЂ™s aim is to fill every possible niche in its range by 2015 and this is the next model in its line-up. Despite the trademark disguise, this prototype version was exposed briefly and our eagle-eye spies were on hand to capture it.

Following on from MercedesтЂ™...

Following on from MercedesтЂ™ provocative teaser pictures of its new Sports Coupe replacing CLC, the firm has now revealed these official pictures of the new car.

Forget scrolling through...

Forget scrolling through your carтЂ™s sat-nav system to find the right town. Audi A8 owners will soon be able to jot down their destinations by hand!

Go green and save at Citroen

Going green could soon...

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

Gordon Murray, the man...

Gordon Murray, the man behind the McLaren F1 supercar, is going electric!

Guy Gittins from London...

Guy Gittins from London spotted the fast Ford when walking to work, and did a double-take when he noticed the five-door bodyshell. And as he was helpfully carrying a camera, the result is a world-first picture - but he got some strange looks in the process. "Nobody could understand why I would be photographing a Ford Focus!" he told us.

Having constructed special...

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

Here are the pictures...

Here are the pictures that prove Subaru is opening up about its hybrid future...This extraordinary gullwing-doored concept car will make its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in a few weeks" time and it boasts not one, but three separate power sources.

Here are the pictures...

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

Here"s proof that Mercedes"...

Here"s proof that Mercedes" new supercar is about to spread its wings. This is the SLS, which has been caught virtually undisguised testing in Germany.

Hidden beneath those...

Hidden beneath those covers is the Tesla Model S тЂ“ an all-electric family saloon designed to rival the BMW 5-series. This is the most revealing look yet at how the American firmтЂ™s second model will shape up.

Holding a torch under...

Holding a torch under the bonnet while working on a car isnтЂ™t ideal, as it leaves only one arm free to do the spannering. However, with Uni-LiteтЂ™s new headlight device you can use both hands at the same time.

However, Auto Express...

However, Auto Express can also reveal that even though the revamped saloon, which we drove in issue 800, is due to hit the roads this summer, the estate version won"t arrive in the UK until next spring. It"s expected to be priced from around н‚бЈ14,000.

Hybrids were the talk...

Hybrids were the talk of the town in Detroit тЂ“ and none more so than the luxurious Fisker Karma. We first saw the hard-top version back at the 2008 British Motor Show, but Detroit was chosen to reveal a second model in the range - the Karma S convertible.

If pedalling to work...

If pedalling to work on one of the folding bicycles tested on Page 60 sounds like hard work, you may be tempted to join the growing number of people who own an electric bike. And if so, car rack giant Thule has come up with the perfect solution.

If thereтЂ™s one thing...

If thereтЂ™s one thing the 650bhp Gumpert Apollo didnтЂ™t need it was more power! But that hasnтЂ™t stopped the exotic German manufacturer from building the Apollo Speed shown here тЂ“ with a choice of 700bhp or 800bhp from its twin-turbo Audi-sourced 4.2-litre V8. Polished aerodynamics mean a 0-62mph sprint in 3.0 seconds flat and a top speed of over 225mph.

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 donтЂ™t have...

If you donтЂ™t have the space to store a high-power pressure washer, but still want to tackle your carтЂ™s grime yourself, you can transform a normal hoseтЂ™s water output with the new Race Glaze Spray Wash Trigger Gun.

If youтЂ™ve seen the...

If youтЂ™ve seen the latest Bond movie, Quantum of Solace, the idea of climbing behind the wheel of an Aston is sure to appeal. And Silverstone circuit has added one of the British manufacturerтЂ™s models to its Driving Experience fleet.

In fact, the Swedish...

In fact, the Swedish marque has outflanked rivals and gone straight to the top spot. By offering E85 power in the C30, S40, V50 and V70 ranges, it will provide the widest bioethanol selection of any brand.

In issue 871, we revealed...

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

I spy with my little...

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

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 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.

It has the tyre and...

It has the tyre and wheel all as one unit, and we first reported on the innovation after its world debut at the Paris Motor Show last September. Now, prototype versions of the puncture-proof set-up are being put through their paces. A Michelin spokesman explained: "The Tweel has gone from being a relatively minor project to a major one since the expo. We are looking at having it on passenger cars within 10 to 15 years."

It refers to cars fitted...

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

It’s a car bought...

It’s a car bought for its aggressive looks and budget price – and it"s set to get a boost with this new special edition.

It’s the comeback...

It’s the comeback the world has been waiting for. The legendary Ferrari GTO is set to make a return, thanks to expert Dutch coachbuilder Vandenчbrink Design. The firm has devised this modern-day take on the classic 250 GTO from the Sixties.

It"s official –...

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

It"s official! Renault...

It"s official! Renault has confirmed that the Twingo CC will make its public debut later this year, before going on sale in 2010.

It"s only just been...

It"s only just been revealed, but already the new Subaru Impreza STI is set to be modified. British firm Prodrive - which runs the Japanese manufacturer"s World Rally cars - has announced a raft of performance tweaks.

It"s the bold looking...

It"s the bold looking MINI rival that looks set to take the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show by storm.

It"s the latest in a...

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

ItтЂ™s probably easier...

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

ItтЂ™s the news that...

ItтЂ™s the news that General Motors and Chrysler have been desperate to hear тЂ“ the US government has finally agreed to loan to help them stay afloat.

Japanese firm Nissan...

Japanese firm Nissan has changed its tune – by giving the Note supermini- MPV a new look. There’s an updated front end design, with fresh headlights, bonnet and bumper.

Lamborghini is dropping...

Lamborghini is dropping the top on their awesome Reventon! According to our exclusive sources, the original car, which was limited to just 20 models, will lose its roof and go on sale for a cool 1.2 million Euros, or ?1million when it hits our shores next year.

Land Rover has released...

Land Rover has released details of an Autobiography edition of its class-leading Range Rover 4x4.

Lewis Hamilton believes...

Lewis Hamilton believes he can defy the odds and win this weekendтЂ™s French Grand Prix. ThatтЂ™s despite starting SundayтЂ™s race with a 10-place grid penalty after his pitlane smash during the Canadian round.

Looking for a budget...

Looking for a budget sat-nav that provides great service at a fraction of the cost of high-end products? Then TomTomтЂ™s new One GB could be for you.

Making its worldwide...

Making its worldwide debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January, the four-door is the firm"s eagerly awaited Ford Focus rival.

Mercedes might be looking...

Mercedes might be looking to fill a niche with its CLT shooting brake, but Vauxhall is aiming to capture the mass market with its Insignia Sports Tourer estate!

Motorists who flee the...

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

Not content with the...

Not content with the hatchback and Golf Plus variants, VW is now revealing this new Estate. The wraps come off the load-lugger at last week"s Geneva Show, and it will hit UK dealers in the summer. It features subtle changes up front, with an R32-style chrome grille and deep air intakes, providing the practical VW with a smart new look.

Not one, but two all-new...

Not one, but two all-new hybrids will appear on KiaтЂ™s stand at the Paris Motor Show.

Now you can listen to...

Now you can listen to your favourite songs from a digital music player while on the move – thanks to the IP2205 from Siemens VDO Dayton.

Official data just released...

Official data just released reveals that despite being 36mm wider, 10mm longer and 12mm taller than the current model, the new family car weighs typically 15kg less. And a frugal new 108bhp 1.5-litre dCi diesel helps it meet Renault"s eco2 green initiative, which aims to cut a car"s environmental impact.

Officially joining the...

Officially joining the UK line-up on 1st October, the dual petrol and electric powered luxury saloon is in demand. Lexus claims buyers who haven’t ordered yet won’t take delivery until the spring, with 230 buyers already having placed advance deposits for the Mercedes S-Class rival.

One thingтЂ™s clear...

One thingтЂ™s clear about HondaтЂ™s new Insight: itтЂ™s set to be the cheapest model of its kind.

One thingтЂ™s clear...

One thingтЂ™s clear about HondaтЂ™s new Insight: itтЂ™s set to be the cheapest model of its kind.

Our spy photographers...

Our spy photographers have captured the best shots yet of BentleyтЂ™s replacement for the Arnage, known as the Grand Bentley.

Plato still leads the...

Plato still leads the series as the tin-top teams arrive at Croft in North Yorkshire for the next round, but in recent races the SEAT star has seen his early season advantage eroded by Vauxhall’s hard-charging Italian ace.

Priced чЈ15,995, the...

Priced чЈ15,995, the 197bhp 2.0-litre machine is quicker off the mark than VW"s Golf GTI; it covers 0-60mph in 6.9 seconds and hits 130mph. An extended front spoiler, bulging wheelarches, larger alloys and bespoke badges set the 197 apart from lesser models.

Rinsing your car before...

Rinsing your car before tackling it with a bucket and sponge is a crucial stage when washing. But even with loads of clean water you can still be left with dirt and grime on the surface. ThatтЂ™s where Bilt-HamberтЂ™s Auto-foam comes in тЂ“ itтЂ™s a degreaser and cleanser that claims to shift any contaminants.

Rock crawling is the...

Rock crawling is the latest remote control car craze to hit the UK тЂ“ and Tamiya has joined in with this new Toyota Land Cruiser model.

Safety experts are dismayed...

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

Scooped at a customer...

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

Slimline sat-navs are...

Slimline sat-navs are all the rage these days, and GarminтЂ™s new Nüvi 205T is the latest little wonder. Yet while itтЂ™s small, the feature count is anything but тЂ“ thereтЂ™s even a picture viewer function.

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.

Storing a roofbox when...

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

Take a look at the fiercest...

Take a look at the fiercest FordтЂ™s Fiesta yet. This wild looking machine is set to take to the rally stages of America with Ken Block behind the wheel.

Take a look inside the...

Take a look inside the production version of the Aston Rapide. This scanned image, originating from an in-house brochure, has been leaked onto the web and shows us the clearest view yet of the four-door-Rapide"s luxurious cabin.

The 2008 model has a...

The 2008 model has a new 6.2-litre V8 which produces 424bhp - an increase of 20bhp over the current car. The rear-wheel drive coupé can go from 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds and on to 190mph.

The auction on May 24th...

The auction on May 24th takes place at the National Trust"s Syon House, London.

The baby Ford will make...

The baby Ford will make its world debut at next monthтЂ™s Paris Motor Show, but company bosses have already confirmed trim levels. ThereтЂ™s a choice of Studio, Style, Style + and Zetec, each with its own unique styling features and equipment. Buyers will also be able to specify optional extras such as Bluetooth phone connectivity and heated seats.

The baby in Aston MartinтЂ™s...

The baby in Aston MartinтЂ™s range has slimmed down тЂ“ and powered up!

The behind-the-scenes...

The behind-the-scenes dramas at Silverstone failed to distract Lewis Hamilton, as he got his F1 championship challenge back on track with a dominant British GP win.

The bike"s two-stroke...

The bike"s two-stroke 50cc powerplant is finely tuned, and belies its small capacity. Open the responsive throttle and this compact stunner provides impressive performance, making it perfect for nipping through gaps on clogged-up streets. Our derestricted test mach-ine, which drivers can ride on a full car licence once they"ve completed compulsory basic training (CBT), hit a heady 55mph indicated top speed.

The car seen here -...

The car seen here - and unveiled at this week"s Detroit Motor Show - goes into production immediately. But there"s bad news for UK buyers, as they"ll have to wait until after the summer before they can have one.

The central area will...

The central area will be a replica of Tracy Island, while a recreation of Thunderbird 2 will be suspended from the roof. There will be original vehicles and props from the film, plus a 25-minute show every two hours. At 7,400 square metres - the size of a football pitch - the show stand will be the largest that the company has ever created in Europe.

The changes, which include...

The changes, which include a new-style grille and revised body mouldings, also provide the people carrier with a family likeness to the Giugiaro-designed Kalos supermini.

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 current version...

The current version has never been sold in Britain, but is a massive hit across Europe. It isn"t a big money-spinner for Renault, because of the slim profit margins on small cars, but bosses hope to shift the replacement up a segment, so they will be able to charge a premium. The Twingo will still serve as an entry-level car in some countries, but would be marketed as a trendy fashion accessory in others, which would include the UK.

The curved grooves in...

The curved grooves in the solid tread blocks also play a key role in reducing uneven wear. Aimed solely at the replacement market, the S.Drive also boasts a narrow width, which makes fitting bigger wheel and tyre sizes easier, reducing the risk of fouling wheelarches.

The decision, which...

The decision, which took effect from February 1, ensures a чЈ140 saving for the entry-level Retrieve system, now available for чЈ259 including installation and the first years" subscription.

The device attaches...

The device attaches to the lap-strap of your everyday seatbelt, and locks this part of the belt, much like an aircraft seatbelt, but keeps the top part of the belt moving freely. By holding you firmly in your seat, the CG-Lock eliminates the bracing and sliding about that drivers normally experience during cornering.

The do-it-yourself gearchange...

The do-it-yourself gearchange was a particular wish of Aston Martin chief Dr Ulrich Bez and he - along with several potential customers - persuaded Aston"s Works Division to look into fitting one to the V12 giant.

The exposed surface...

The exposed surface is simply a plastic cover, designed to make the product look more expensive than it really is. And if you damage it, a replacement costs only н‚бЈ16.

The figures reveal that...

The figures reveal that a switch by 20 percent of motorists in the capital would save the equivalent weight of 4 Big Ben towers in pollution. To push the message home, Honda has launched a "No Choke" campaign to highlight the need for greener cars in London - cars like its own Civic Hybrid, launched earlier this year.

The forthcoming Rolls-Royce...

The forthcoming Rolls-Royce Ghost is set to mimic more than the looks of its Phantom big brother тЂ“ by carrying over its smooth ride quality, too.

The FR-V will be a six-seater...

The FR-V will be a six-seater, and features interior cues from the popular Jazz supermini. The seats, which tumble flat into the floor to give a completely level load area, have been arranged in a similar style to the Multipla"s, in two rows of three. Staggered middle chairs in both rows will increase legroom. A new safety idea features up front, where a single airbag extends across the width of the dash, rather than individual bags for driver and passengers.

The French firm bought...

The French firm bought a controlling share of the Romanian car maker in 1999, and after investing heavily in modernising production and re-training, Renault is nearly ready to bring the range to Europe.

The lid has been lifted...

The lid has been lifted on BMWтЂ™s next 6-Series. And Auto Express has exclusive pictures of the German car makers 2010/2011 soft-top. But whatтЂ™s more surprising is the coupe is yet to break cover.

The load-luggers, penned...

The load-luggers, penned by Luigi Colani, are on display at The Road Ahead - a vehicle design competition and expo being held in London"s Dray Walk Gallery between 11 and 19 February.

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 mag"s pictures show...

The mag"s pictures show how the prototype - expected to be called the CrossGolf - has wider, beefier wheelarches, modified bumpers and a revised front end. Changes to the nose are likely to include Passat-style headlamps plus a chunky off-roader-style bumper, complete with grilles over the foglights and a raised air intake. The CrossGolf - to be unveiled at September"s Frankfurt Motor Show - rides 60mm higher than the Plus. It"s also likely to have underbody and sump guards for protection when off-roading, while the 4WD set-up will be based on that of the Golf 4MOTION, which distributes power evenly between the front and rear. Engines should include 1.6 and 2.0-litre FSI petrol units and 1.9 and 2.0 TDI turbodiesels. VW"s excellent DSG gearbox is likely to be an option. A hot CrossGolf hasn"t been ruled out; the 4WD system could be combined with either VW"s proven 2.8-litre V6 petrol motor, or the 198bhp 2.0 FSI turbo unit from the Golf GTI.

The mag"s snapper caught...

The mag"s snapper caught the car being put through a rigorous testing session at a secret location in France. The front will be the same as the standard five-door, but it"s at the side and rear where the design team has made its mark.

The Michelin Guide has...

The Michelin Guide has built its reputation on providing the lowdown on the best restaurants and hotels. Now, all the latest, exclusive information is available at your fingertips in the new range of ViaMichelin sat-navs.

The Mobile Wear Bluetooth...

The Mobile Wear Bluetooth timepiece from Abacus is certainly easy to carry around – but is it any good?

The newcomer will have...

The newcomer will have a compact appearance when it is unveiled. Although it"s billed as an SUV, the fairly low ride height of the white test mule in the mag suggests it is intended more for road driving than heavy-duty cross-country use. But underbody protection, chunky black plastic bumpers and side sills will protect it when it ventures off-road.

The problem is caused...

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

There have been some...

There have been some wacky names for special editions over the years, but this tops the lot!

The replacement for...

The replacement for the Nissan Cube will be no square, Auto Express can exclusively reveal. ThatтЂ™s because itтЂ™s set to take its inspiration from the wild looking Mixim concept car that debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The result is this fantastic...

The result is this fantastic subterranean refuge, devised by felt-roofer Stephen and built mostly by himself. Friends helped to complete the 12-month-long project after contractors had made the initial five-metre-deep hole in his garden.

The revised model gets...

The revised model gets a new mesh grille and sportier, low-slung front and rear bumpers designed to make it appear less tall. It also has LED rear lamps to give a more modern finish, and there"s a choice of four new paint options. Inside, the Japanese firm has redesigned the entire dashboard and brightened up the trim with new colour schemes. A leather steering wheel has been added, and there"s also an op-tional sat-nav screen. To keep up with the likes of Nissan"s Micra, a new smart card key system hooked up to the immobiliser has been fitted.

The rough and tumble...

The rough and tumble of in-car life can be hard on the vulnerable

The second special edition...

The second special edition unveiled at the MINI United festival resurrects a name that will familiar to many. The original Mini Mayfair debuted in 1982 and immediately earned a reputation for being one the most luxurious Minis money could buy - and its modern incarnation carries on the tradition.

The Sedici goes on sale...

The Sedici goes on sale April 22 at a base price of чЈ12,495 and is Fiat"s first ever SUV. Designed by Italian favourite Giorgetto Giugiaro, it has been engineered in conjunction with Suzuki.

The Sinister Six is...

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

The system is comprised...

The system is comprised of three elements - a GPS/GSM tracking system, a car-specific installation kit, and most intriguingly, an automatic driver recognition system (ADR).

The top-secret model...

The top-secret model is still unnamed, but it"s thought it will be called either the MLK or X-Class. Ready to open up the three-pointed star to a wider audience, the new car will bring sleek styling and polished road manners to the premium compact SUV sector.

They don’t want...

They don’t want you to ‘C’ it, but this week the mag has the best pictures yet of Mercedes’ next-generation mid-range estate. Auto Express can reveal how the stylish new load-lugging C-Class will look after our spies snapped a barely disguised prototype testing in Stuttgart, Germany.

They have created "smart"...

They have created "smart" lights which can tell when vehicles - plus cyclists and pedestrians - are about to be lit by a full beam, and lower their angle so there is no chance of dazzling them.

This is called the Shooting...

This is called the Shooting Sport because it mixes the looks of a shooting brake with the three door bodywork of a hot hatch.

This is the new Golf...

This is the new Golf Speed, and it has an R32-style bodykit, but a less powerful 148bhp FSI petrol engine. While not as fast as the range-topper, it still covers 0-60mph in 8.9 seconds.

This "youth car" has...

This "youth car" has been designed to attract massive brand names, such as Apple, Nike, Nintendo and Sony, into the car industry.

Toyota is ready to take...

Toyota is ready to take its hybrid technology a step further in Frankfurt. Taking centre stage will be the Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept. A milestone in Toyota"s long-term hybrid strategy, it represents the first step in introducing Hybrid Synergy Drive from the Prius into a mainstream model - and eventually across the entire range.

Toyota"s robot is 120cm...

Toyota"s robot is 120cm tall and fitted with artificial lungs, allowing it to blow its own trumpet and play different notes. At a recent demonstration, the unnamed machine managed a simple tune and even swayed to the music before waving to the crowd and walking off.

Unless properly fixed...

Unless properly fixed, those cars could hide potentially costly trouble for second-hand buyers. And that - along with a possible question mark over future warranty claims - is concerning manufacturers. Now franchised dealers are being told to supply full details of each misfuelled vehicle using online forms.

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.

Unveiled at the Frankfurt...

Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the drop-top "entry-level" model gets an electric folding roof just as impressive as its performance. At the push of a button on the dash, the slatted carbon fibre engine cover opens and out comes the fabric top. It"s quick too, raising or dropping in only 20 seconds.