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Bond in Motion at Beaulieu to showcase 50 iconic vehicles

January 15, 2012, 9:25 pm
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James Bond's Aston Martin DB5
The largest collection of Bond vehicles will be on show from tomorrow (17 January) at the National Motor Museum, Bealieu.
Celebrating 60 years as a visitor attraction, Beaulieu will host the Bond in Motion exhibition, giving fans the oppportunity to get up close to their favourite film cars from the last 50 years.

Fifty of the most iconic Bond vehicles will be on display, including the much-loved Aston Martin DB5 driven by 007, the Lotus Espirit S1 from The Spy Who loved Me, the BMW 750iL from Tomorrow Never Dies, the deadly Jaguar XKR from Die Another Day and the 18k gold Rolls-Royce Phantom III also from Goldfinger.

Beaulieu general tickets include admission to Bond in Motion, as well as the rest of the grounds.

Check out the gallery below to see a selection of these iconic automobiles, and tell us what your favourite car from the James Bond collection is.

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The video below shows the cars in more detail.

 

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Scooter sales up as drivers are priced out of their cars

January 16, 2012, 12:31 am
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Vespa scooter
Car drivers are feeling so pinched by the cost of motoring that they're switching to scooters en masse. Or at least that appears to be the case, based on figures from the Motorcycle Industry Association, which show a spike in scooter sales.

Figures show a 12 percent rise in new scooter transactions in 2011, despite motorcycle sales falling during the same year, and scooter sales having fallen by almost ten percent the previous year (2010).
The sales charts show that while there was a 20 percent rise in 125cc scooter sales specifically, there was a 32 percent drop in the sales of powerful sport motorcycles.

Quoted in The Guardian, Gary Thomas of Scootering magazine said: "The last time I remember such huge scooter sales figures was about 10-12 years ago when new automatic technology meant that all manufacturers came out with a wealth of new models.

"I suspect this time it is about cost. It is often two-car households who have decided that one of them will trade their car in for a scooter. The congestion charge also has an impact on people's decision, as does the price of petrol."

Scooter sales in the capital are, naturally, on the up, with Peugeot and Honda reporting jumps of around 60- and 40 percent respectively.

Peugeot believes it is fuel costs that are prompting the switch from cars to scooters, as well as parking charges, which are dramatically reduced (often free) with a scooter.

New car sales were down by 4.4 percent in 2011 compared to 2010, with 1.94m sold in the UK, though with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders having predicted 1.92m sales, that's seen as a good result.

Diesel car sales surpassed petrol car sales for the first time ever in the UK in 2011 - more proof that vehicle running costs are higher than ever on the agenda.

 

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Nissan invents world's first self-healing...iPhone case

January 16, 2012, 1:06 am
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Nissan Juke iPhone case
A car company has stolen a march on the invention we've all been waiting for since the existentialist Nokia 6210 case: Nissan has created an iPhone cover that heals itself.

Sadly, it doesn't do so along the lines of John Rambo in First Blood (link not for the squeamish), but instead using a malleable paint coating that 'self heals' when scratched.
The automotive link is that it's the same paint, called Scratch Shield, applied to some Nissans already, including the 370Z, Murano and all Infinitis.

The outer surface layer is made using a chemical called polyrotaxane, which can change its molecular structure to fill any minor scratches the paint suffers, giving it "self healing properties," according to Nissan.

Very small scratches can heal in around an hour, says the company, though deeper ones can take up to a week.

The case is constructed using automotive-grade ABS plastic, which Nissan says is higher quality, more rigid and better fitting than the plastic used in most iPhone cases.

It's then coated with the Scratch Shield paint, which aside from its magic molecular properties, has a "gel-like" surface that's tacky and thus less prone to slip from a hand than a case covered with normal glossy paint.

No prices yet, but Nissan has made a batch for "BETA testing with selected journalists and customers" and is looking to put it on sale early in 2013 if said guinea pigs like it.

Nissan's Bob Laishley said: "We like to think laterally by taking the great innovations we've got from an automotive point of view, and looking at how they could be applied to improve everyday issues.

"The Scratch Shield iPhone case is a great example of us taking a Nissan automotive technology that has had a huge impact for our customers, and then shifting the boundaries to apply it to another everyday product."

Nissan has previously used its in-car thermal imaging sensor, developed for a form of night vision while driving, to create a heat generation sensor for those that need to collect temperature data.

Now, if only a car company would incorporate a head-up display into a pair of regular glasses. Or an Amazon Kindle. Imagine that? We want ten percent...

 

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Amelia Island auction classics could command over $24m

January 16, 2012, 2:44 am
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1934 Packard Twelve Convertible Victoria
On March 10, the annual Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance in North East Florida will play host to the RM Auctions sale, offering 100 stunning motor cars.
World-renowned for offering blue-chip automobiles as investment opportunities, last year's auction generated $24.3 million in sales and a handful of early entries are already expected to reach $7m.

Perhaps most impressive in the high-end catalogue is a 1934 Packard Twelve Convertible Victoria. It is believed to be one of only two or three still in existence and was recognised as 'Best in Class' at the 2011 Concours d'Elegance of America.

A one-off 1929 Cord L-29 hayes Coupe will accompany the Packard in going under the hammer and boasts five separate Concours d'Elegance wins and sole ownership. It is estimated to make $1.5m.

Other highlights include a 1966 275 GTB/4 Berlinetta, expected to fetch $1.4m, a fully restored 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster at $1.1m and a 1959 Jaguar XK120 "Alloy" Roadster estimated to make $360,000.

Click on the gallery below to see these beautiful classics.

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Most annoying ad is no surprise

January 16, 2012, 4:04 am
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We Buy Any Car
It feels like the monotonous lyrics of the webuyanycar.com are seared into our brains every time the dancing actors pop up on our screens, supposedly delighted at the below-market sum that they've just received for their car.
At least there's some solace then that it has been named most irritating ad of 2011. A poll by Marketing magazine found that 49% of people thought it was the most irritating commercial on TV, moving up a place from last year and knocking Gio Compario and his infinitely infuriating facades off the number one spot, which Go Compare managed to retain since 2009 (We wonder why?).

In joint second place, Confused.com and Jackpot Joy also had us scrambling for the remote.

 

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Button to debut 2012 McLaren

January 16, 2012, 7:42 pm
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Jenson Button will give McLaren's 2012 car, the MP4-27, its official track debut at Jerez on 7 February, the British team has announced.
On the same day as the winter pre-season kicks into gear, it is believed Felipe Massa and Mark Webber are also scheduled to be debuting the new cars of McLaren's likely championship challengers, Ferrari and Red Bull respectively.

McLaren said 2009 world champion Button, runner-up behind Sebastian Vettel for last year's title, will also drive on the second of the four-day test, before Lewis Hamilton takes over.

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso thinks Jerez and the subsequent winter tests - and even the season opener in Australia in mid March - will be too early to gauge the likely pecking order in 2012.

"Many regard the tests as they do the races, but it will not mean much. We will have to wait until the races in Malaysia or China to really know whose car is good or not," Alonso is quoted in the Spanish media.

His Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali broadly agrees.

"It's too early," the Italian is quoted by Auto Motor und Sport. "We will not see the true potential of the cars for the first time until Saturday in Melbourne. Not before.

"During the tests we - like all the other teams - will be trying not to show everything about the speed of our car," admitted Domenicali.

 

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Senna signs deal to complete Williams lineup

January 16, 2012, 7:43 pm
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Williams is set to complete its 2012 race driver lineup after Bruno Senna signed a contract.
Italy's Autosprint cited "Brazilian sources" in reporting that the former HRT and Renault driver, whose famous uncle Ayrton Senna died at the wheel of a Williams in 1994, will replace Rubens Barrichello and become Pastor Maldonado's new teammate.

"The commitment should be official within the coming days," said the report.

Autosprint said Senna has amassed an impressive EUR 14 million in major Brazilian sponsorship, including OGX, an oil giant headed by billionaire Eike Batista.

The deal reportedly also includes team sponsorship by 28-year-old Senna's sponsors Embratel and Gilette.

Autosprint said Force India refugee Adrian Sutil had been in contention for the seat, but the reduction in value of his Medion sponsor backing "was crucial".

The unofficial news was also reported by the Brazilian Grande Premio website, who said Senna signed the contract in the UK on Monday.

 

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Jaguar unveils cheapest ever XF

January 16, 2012, 7:54 pm
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Jaguar has unveiled the cheapest ever XF. The new 2.2 Diesel 163 uses a detuned version of the 188bhp 2.2-litre turbo diesel unit recently introduced in the XF.

This version has 161bhp (the 163 moniker denotes its metric horsepower rating, which is slightly different to imperial bhp) and thus is significantly slower: 0-62mph happens in 9.8 seconds, 1.3 slower than it does in the more powerful 2.2 version.
However, there's no economy improvement, meaning the new car also returns 52.3mpg combined and 149g/km. Vehicle Excise Duty therefore costs the same: £130 annually.

But this is the first XF to dip below the £30,000 mark, with a list price of £29,950. So, if you're the sort that buys a car by pulling exactly the right amount of bank notes out of a rucksack, you're in luck - it's £1,000 cheaper than the 188bhp XF.

The new XF gets a decent equipment roster, including part-leather upholstery, climate control and the same touch screen infotainment interface as the other XFs.

Available to order now, the first cars will be delivered in March.

The new Jag trumps the BMW 5 Series EfficientDynamics (ED) in terms of the (largely irrelevant) on-paper list price, being about £500 cheaper, though it's beaten by the Bimmer in every other area.

The 520d ED has more power (184bhp), is quicker to 62mph, and significantly cheaper to both fuel and tax: 62.8mpg and 119g/km make it so.

Must try harder, Jaguar. C+.

 

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It's a MINI fire risk: 235,000 MINIs recalled

January 16, 2012, 8:19 pm
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MINI Cooper
Almost a quarter of a million MINIs are being recalled worldwide because of a fire scare. The recall includes around 30,000 cars in the UK, and relates to those built between March 2006 and January 2011.

It's been found that a circuit board on the turbocharger's water pump poses a fire risk, which in an extreme case could cause the car to burst into flames.
It's highly unlikely that any MINI will do that, but MINI says that if the circuit board malfunctions it could overheat and smolder, which could spark a fire.

Turbo petrol versions of the MINI are affected, which means the recall includes Cooper S and John Cooper Works (JCW) models. Owners should take their car to the nearest dealer as soon as possible, and a new, modified pump will be fitted.

There have been four cases of MINIs catching fire as a result of the problem - one of those in the UK. There have reportedly been seven cases in total in the UK, including those not involving major fires. No injuries have been reported as a result of the problem, says MINI.

VOSA is investigating two of the seven reported UK incidents, and MINI has confirmed that it is helping with these enquiries.

Whether this will affect MINI's solid reputation and sales figures remains to be seen - the company reported record sales in 2011, thanks in part to the new Countryman SUV - but it's not the first time the BMW-owned company has brushed with fire.

First-generation BMW-era MINIs were affected by faulty power steering pumps, which also had a smoldering issue.

 

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Wacky auctions: bizarre TV car stars in oddball sale

January 16, 2012, 11:25 pm
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Mercedes-Benz World will soon host the sale of some of the wackiest cars ever made, including the Bugaloos Buggy from the eponymous children's TV show of the '70s.

Built by the same man who created the original Batmobile and later versions of Knight Rider's KITT, George Barris, the Bugaloos Buggy was used for the duration of The Bugaloos between 1970 and 1972.
The amazing street legal buggy has four custom bucket seats, four phones and the ability to play that most modern of music mediums: stereo tape cartridges.

Made from fiberglass and mounted on top of a VW chassis, the car was designed to look like, naturally, a bug, and evoked the special powers of The Bugaloos' main characters - namely that they could fly and walk on water.

The wheels are single-piece Ansen Spring alloys painted orange, and wrapped in Firestone tyres.

The car was originally sold to a collector in 1983, but was then 'lost' until coming up for sale again in France in 2003, at which point it was carefully restored. It's expected to go for around £15,000.

But if speed is more your thing than nostalgia, the Snake Pit (above), also built by Barris, will be a better fit. Made specifically to break speed records, the huge Snake Pit has an estimated 2,000bhp from a 351 cubic inch Ford Cobra V8 engine.

This inordinately complicated caricature of a car has 48 exhausts, two Ford automatic transmissions, 12 four-barrel carburetors and two Pontiac rear axles.

The bright orange car will be difficult to park for two reasons: it's 23-foot long, and it doesn't work, so the buyer will have to employ someone with the taste and skills for the extraordinary to start having a go at land speed records again.

There's not reserve, but fully functional it's reportedly worth around $100,000 (£65,000).

The Bunkbeds is another star turn that doesn't work, though when it does it has a Ferrari-matching 600bhp from an, erm, headboard-mounted V8 engine. It promises to be the best handling bunk bed ever made, thanks to Formula One-wide Goodyear tyres and disc brakes on all four wheels; it can be steered from either the top or bottom bunk.

It's worth around £15,000 - around the same price as all manner of family cars guaranteed to send their occupants to sleep.

And finally there's the original Amphicar. Designed by Hans Trippel, the German engineer famous for both this and designing the gullwing doors of the iconic Mercedes-Benz 300 SL.

Of the 99 originally made, this is one of 20 thought still to exist, and was built in 1965. Powered by a 1.2-litre Triumph Herald bike engine, it could hit 70mph on land and, of course, drive on water.

This one was actually once driven down the Thames during the Henley Royal Regatta, and is expected to fetch around £17,000.

All the cars will be sold at the Historics at Brooklands sale at Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey, on Saturday February 18.

 

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Video: Head-on smash narrowly avoided

January 17, 2012, 12:08 am
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Near crash on motorway
It's no surprise that if you speed up when you see traffic in front of you, you probably shouldn't be on the road at all.
Despite the evidently icy conditions, this driver decides to gun it from the slipway in an attempt to sail past stationary traffic, only to find that the rear end of the car starts to slide uncontrollably.

Remarkably, he manages to avoid causing a pile-up, with what looks like only millimetres between him and the other cars.

Maybe that will teach him to slow down when he sees brake lights in future. We doubt it. Or maybe he just plain didn't see the cars in front. Who would with all that dirt on the windscreen?

 

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Podium finish IRL for PlayStation gamer

January 17, 2012, 12:23 am
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A PlayStation gamer who spent hours honing his Gran Turismo 5 skills has fulfilled the dream of probably every kid (or adult) that ever played it.

Jann Mardenborough, a 19-year-old from Cardiff, has gone from armchair racer to Dubai 24 Hour race podium finisher in a mere six months. He won Sony's GT Academy competition back in June, in which the best Gran Turismo 5 players on PlayStation 3 were invited to race virtually for a chance to forge a real racing career.
Now, winning the competition is one thing - but to then have the skills to beat some of the world's best racers in real life...even he probably couldn't have imagined that sort of ending.

GT Academy began in 2008 and has already found a handful of successful racers, but Merdenborough's rise to success has been surprisingly rapid; the competition's first winner, Lucas Ordonez, is now a professional endurance racer with Nissan in the LMP 2 class.

Mardenborough (second from left in the picture above) beat 90,000 competition entrants in the 2011 European GT Academy and has spent the last six months with the American winner, Bryan Heitkotter, preparing at a brutal Silverstone boot camp.

Before being able to compete in the Dubai race, Mardenborough had to compete in a series of smaller races to obtain his pro racing licence, all the while being put through a harsh fitness and driver training regime by Nissan.

Driving in a race-prepared Nissan 370Z shared with Heitkotter and the two previous GT Academy winners, Ordonez and Jordan Tresson (2010's champion), the racing quartet finished third in class and 26th overall in Dubai. The team completed 532 laps of the Dubai Autodrome track, and didn't sustain any major car damage.

Le Mans is in Mardenborough's sights next - he's hoping, like Ordonez, to compete in a Nissan at the legendary endurance race within the next couple of seasons.

Mardenborough, who called Dubai "without doubt the weekend of my life," said: "The only thing that compares to it is winning GT Academy last June. It feels like pure joy. This is just the first step for me and now I hope that my performance in Dubai can take me further."



 

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One year of our lives spent stuck in traffic

January 17, 2012, 1:02 am
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Research by tyre company Continental has found that the average working motorist will spend more than one year sat in his or her car, not moving.

Yep, we apparently spend 58 working weeks stuck in gridlock during the daily commute across our entire working lives. Home workers rejoice!
Continental says that this equates to more than 100 million days lost every year from 18 million workers.

The figure is based on a driver doing an average 28-mile work commute from home to work and back again, lasting 41 minutes. We're told that 12 minutes are spent not moving, which "even with bank holidays and sick days means 5.5 working days lost every year, or 58 working weeks during a lifetime," says Continental.

The company studied 2,000 drivers to get the data, noting their driving habits and routines.
And it's a situation that, it appears, isn't going to improve. A related survey by the company revealed that we still see public transport as a last resort: around half said they'd only consider using public transport if fuel costs go up much further.

At the same time, of those currently using public transport, 45 percent said they'd jump at the chance to get back into their cars if fuel prices drop.

More than six in ten use their car for at least four days of the week to get to work, with the biggest gripe among drivers being traffic and lack of available parking. The environmental impact of driving is fourth on the list of things likely to get drivers onto public transport.

Three-quarters want a more efficient car and, what do you know...

"Continental is making significant investment in fuel efficient tyres for cars and is now developing new designs specifically for electric vehicles." Its work here is done.


 

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Saab's entire heritage fleet up for sale

January 17, 2012, 1:36 am
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Classic Saabs
The chances of Saab surviving have been dealt an especially poignant blow with the news that its liquidator has put the company's entire heritage fleet for sale.

Yes, the entire inventory of the Saab Heritage Museum is available to the highest bidder, as Swedish law company Delphi, in charge of killing Saab softly, tries to recoup some money.
Over 120 cars are available, with Delphi having advertised the entire lot on its website and requested email or fax bids by noon on Friday 20 January. (At the time of publishing the specific Saab sale link on Delphi's site is dead, but we'd expect it to return shortly...)

Delphi has advertised the cars on a 123-page PDF including images of every car, the oldest being a 1946 Saab 92001, aka the Ursaab.

Saab's heritage fleet is naturally the most complete collection of historic and unique Saabs in the world, and includes mint examples of Saabs spanning every decade since the '40s, including one-off show cars.

So, if you liked the look of the Aero-X Concept back in 2006, it can now be yours - though sadly Saab's last madcap concept, the PhoeniX, isn't included in the sale.

You could also own a one-off 9-6X crossover, based on the effectively one-off Subaru B9 Tribeca.

Bidders can make offers on their own terms, which is to say they can bid for just one car, any group, or all of them.

No doubt some surprise bidders will emerge. We'll let you know...

 

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Audi A1 Sportback: First drive

January 17, 2012, 2:00 am
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Audi A1 Sportback
Like Audi's premium supermini the A1? Well you are not alone as over 18,500 found homes in the UK last year and Britain is the biggest export market.

However, if you liked the A1's style but were put off by the three-door practicality, Audi might have the solution in the form of the new five-door A1 Sportback.
Taller and wider than the three-door version, although you will struggle to notice, as the addition of two extra doors has been well done.

Look closer and you'll spot the slightly raised roof line (increased by 6mm), with the rear window more upright, but this is about the only obvious change.

This means more head and shoulder room, with Audi claiming three can now travel in back of the A1. Whilst this maybe true, with the extra pair of doors improving access, there's no extra legroom in the back of the Sportback and tall adults will only be comfortable on short journeys.

Audi A1 Sportback
Still, the A1's interior continues to be a good place to be. The dashboard design is attractive, the build quality mirrors the rest of the range and is first rate, plus the seats and driving position are very comfortable.

On top of the new five-door bodystyle, with the launch of the A1 Sportback, Audi is introducing two new petrol and one diesel engine.

Cleverest has to be a new version of the 1.4 TFSI petrol. Meeting tough EU5+ emission requirements, it is fitted with Cylinder on Demand Technology.

Basically, it works by cleverly shutting down two of the cylinders when they are not needed. This can happen when cruising and means that this engine is far more efficient, with a combined fuel figure of 60.1mpg and the lowest CO2 emissions of any A1 at 109g/km.

All of this technology you might think will have an effect on the performance, but torque is 250Nm compared to just 200Nm of the 124bhp version.

Audi A1 Sportback
The other new petrol engine is also a 1.4 TFSI, but this time it is the 188bhp performance flagship of the A1 range. Well at least until the 252bhp limited edition A1 Quattro storms in (if Audi decide to import it, that is). Fitted as standard with the S tronic twin-clutch gearbox, it sprints to 60mph in just 7 seconds and on to an impressive top speed of 141mph.

Fancy another diesel? The 145bhp 2.0-litre TDI is new to the baby Audi and capable of accelerating to 62mph in just 8.5 seconds, yet it's still capable 68.9mpg on the combined cycle.

So what's the Audi A1 Sportback like to drive? Well, not a lot different to the three-door version to be honest. All models I drove were on standard suspension with 16 or 17-inch wheels, which equalled a comfortable ride and road and wind noise are well-insulated from the cabin.

All the A1 Sportback models I drove had tight handling, responsive steering and plenty of grip.

I started with the 87bhp entry-level 1.2TFSI, which proved to be refined. You have to rev it to keep up on the motorway, but this engine always feels willing and stays surprisingly smooth even at high revs.

Audi A1 Sportback
The least inspiring Sportback I drove was the 106bhp 1.6 TDI. It doesn't feel as smooth as the other petrol and diesel engines in the range, nor as quick or torquey and I found that the five-speed gearbox was notchy.

Performance flagship, the 188bhp 1.4 TFSI sounds great and feels quick, but with the S Tronic transmission it lacks the involvement of rivals such as the MINI Cooper S.

In my view, the pick of the engines was the 1.4 TFSI with 142bhp and Cylinder on Demand technology and the 2.0-litre TDI diesel with 145bhp.

The 1.4 TFSI with 142bhp and Cylinder on Demand technology impresses by the seamless way it switches from four to two cylinders. It is a strong performer and a serious alternative to the diesel, this engine's success will depend on how it is priced.

Another A1 Sportback gem is the top diesel, the 2.0-litre TDI. Involving to drive, this engine feels hot hatch quick and well matched to the six-speed manual transmission.

So to sum up, the Sportback is a clever addition to the A1 range, it is no bigger than three-door but the extra practicality of the five-door is sure attract new buyers. If it was more involving to drive the A1 could be the driver's car of this class. The A1 Sportback will be on sale in March priced from £13,980.

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Video: BAC Mono a supercar highlight at the performance car show

January 17, 2012, 2:15 am
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BAC Mono
Ever wanted to know what it feels like to drive a single-seat sports car on the road? Well, if you've got a spare £80,000 burning a hole in your pocket, then the BAC Mono could be just what you are after.

Despite the economic downturn, it seems there are plenty who want to experience this. Last year's allocation of 15 cars is sold out and apparently the 50 cars Briggs Automotive Company (BAC) will produce this year are going fast too.
I can see the attraction of this car, firstly it looks like nothing else on the road (which is a good thing) and the 280bhp Cosworth engine should mean it has the power to match its looks.

See the Mono in the video below at the PistonHeads Supercar Paddock:

 

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How to take a Volkswagen Beetle apart in seconds

January 17, 2012, 2:30 am
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How to dismantle a VW Beetle
The original Beetle was the longest-running and most manufactured car ever. One of the reasons why this car lasted so long was because of the Volkswagen's build quality and durability.

So whilst looking through YouTube, it was amusing to find this advert from the sixties, for an American car parts specialist.
Considering how old this video looks to me, I'm impressed by how professional and well-drilled the workers are at taking the Beetle apart.

Also, how was it done? I can only think there must have been some clever hidden tacking of panels.

Anyway, take a look at the video below and tell us what you think:

 

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EV grant extended, vans now included

January 17, 2012, 9:07 pm
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Nissan Leaf
Eco nuts rejoice, the electric car grant has been extended until 2015. That's not all, though. Electric vans are included in the scheme now, too.

Currently the scheme covers electric passenger vehicles for 25% of their value up to £5,000. This is set to continue until at least 2015. So you can pick up a Nissan Leaf for £25,990 rather than the full fat £30,990 for a few years yet.
As electric commercial vehicles are becoming more prevalent they've been included in the scheme as well. The government will contribute 20% of the value of the vehicle up to £8,000 now.

So, if you're looking for a Renault Kangoo Z.E., rather than paying its £16,990 entry fee you'll only have to pay £13,592. Eco-tastic.

This year sees the launch of a whole tranche of 'green' vehicles to hit the road. Renault's Z.E. range will roll, silently, into showrooms as will the Chevrolet Volt, Vauxhall Ampera and Nissan's 'leccy NV200 van will appear shortly as well.

Naturally both Renault and Nissan are rather pleased with the news. James Wright, Managing Director at Nissan Motor (GB) Limited said: "This grant, coupled with lower running costs and tax benefits, will make switching to an electric van a very attractive option for businesses."

 

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Chevy dealer shows ingenious way of pulling down showroom

January 17, 2012, 9:22 pm
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A couple of pick-ups aren't the first thing that comes to mind as a tool to demolish an old showroom.

However, when it is a Chevrolet dealer using its own Silverado pick-ups, it is a perfect excuse for tyre smoke and promotion.
John Watson Chevrolet in Utah, was the dealer that used the pick-ups to make the decisive mark on its showroom demolition, but I wonder if the not very well hidden orange excavator might have done the hard work beforehand?

Check out the Chevy demolition action below:

 

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Mercedes SLK 55 AMG has a price on its head

January 17, 2012, 9:53 pm
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Mercedes SLK55 AMG
The new SLK's been around for a while now. It seems to be going down well. It doesn't look as 'girly' as the previous model and it comes with some pretty jazzy tech - like a folding glass roof that can change from see-through to solid at the press of a precisely engineered button. But it's been missing something: Power.

Well, the SLK350 is pretty quick, but the 55 AMG comes packing a bonkers 421bhp and a naturally aspirated 5.5-litre V8 engine. In a car the size of an overnight bag. As you can expect, it's rather quick and now it's a steal at £54,950.
To put its price in to perspective... you can have six (and a bit) Citroen C1s, three used Lotus Elises (S2s) or a brand spanking new BMW M3 for that money.

Yes, it's smaller than the M3, but at least you won't look like an accountant on the road. Some may say it's a girls' car, but we don't think the new SLK is overly effeminate. It's quite butch, really.

Its 421bhp is good for getting the SLK from 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds and on to 155mph, but that's not what's impressing us. Our inner (and outer, come to mention it) geeks are amazed at the economy figures on offer. The 5.5-litre V8 will, apparently, manage 33.6mpg and only farts out 195g/km CO2. That's seriously clever engine management tech.

There are, naturally, lots of options available on the SLK 55 AMG, too many to list here, but there's one that caught our eye: the AMG Driver's Package. That particular package gets you an invite to an AMG Power and Passion event (dramatic name, right?) and raises the car's top speed.

If you've decided that this is the car for you, head down to your nearest Mercedes dealership with your £54,950 in hand as soon as you want.

 

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