Lexus IS F

No luxury car range is complete with-out a super-saloon these days – so Lexus has come up with this. The IS F is the Japanese manufacturer’s answer to the BMW M3 and Mercedes C63 AMG. It lacks the heritage of its Euro­pean rivals, but can it match the old guard on UK roads?
Judged on looks alone, this version of the IS is a rather sober piece of kit. Lowered suspension and 19-inch alloys give a ground-hugging stance, yet the new front bumper, side sills and large bonnet bulge are surprisingly discreet.Our model’s black paintwork also reduced the impact of the standard anthracite wheels, and on our drive no other road users paid the sporty Lexus any attention. The only details which spoil its Q-car credentials are the two pairs of stacked oval tailpipes that protrude from the back bumper.It’s a similar story inside, because the cabin is pretty much unchanged from the standard IS 250. You do get loads of kit, including sat-nav, sports seats and a 14-speaker stereo, but the new silver trim on the centre console is somewhat underwhelming.

A quick look under the IS F’s bonnet should be enough to restore faith in the brand, because crammed into the engine bay is an incredible 5.0-litre V8. It develops a mouth-watering 417bhp and powers the sal­oon from 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds.However, the car’s pure pace tells only half the story, because the high-revving unit is smooth, with a linear power delivery and pin-sharp respon­ses. It’s muted in normal driving, but once you pass 3,600rpm, a valve in the exhaust manifold opens and the volume instantly rises, creating a fantastic V8 soundtrack.Enthusiasts won’t be as happy with the standard eight-speed paddleshift-operated automatic gearbox, though – this is the only transmission option avail­able. Changing ratios takes a fraction of a second, and in full manual mode the torque converter is locked in all but first gear, which provides the feel and speed of a clutchless manual – it even blips the throttle on downchanges. However, the auto transmission can’t match a conventional box for driver involvement.With 505Nm of torque, the IS F is no slouch in a straight line – it has a top speed of 168mph. Yet any self-respecting performance saloon also needs to handle brilliantly. The Lexus’s stiffened suspension is fine at lower speeds, but once you increase the pace, it doesn’t provide the fluency of an M3 or Audi RS4. There is plenty of grip and feedback through the revised steering rack, although the newcomer simply doesn’t gel like its rivals and rides very harshly.While it’s still fun to drive, most of that enjoyment comes from its mighty V8. And in this class, the IS F’s limited handling involvement won’t appeal to everyone – especially when you’re paying £51,000 for the privilege.

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RIVAL: BMW M3 saloon
The latest M3 also uses V8 power, but the German four-door is cheaper than the Lexus, at £49,415. It’s also a much more capable all-rounder, and is available in coupé and convertible bodystyles, too.Source

Vauxhall Agila 1.2 club

Small cars with economical engines and low emissions are big news right now – and that’s just perfect for Vauxhall’s all-new Agila.The fresh model is completely different to its boxy predecessor, and looks set to be a genuine contender in the city car class. We’ve already been impressed with it on European roads (Issue 1,000), so we couldn’t wait to try it on congested British streets.The outgoing Agila was essentially a rebadged Suzuki Wagon R+, and the new model is following on in that trend, because it’s almost identical to Suzuki’s recently launched Splash.It still boasts five doors, but within a shell that’s easier on the eye, with a more aerodynamic profile. Inside, there are sharp, two-tone colour schemes and neat touches such as a MINI-style rev counter sprouting from the dashboard on all but entry-level Expression models. However, the hard plastic trim takes the gloss off the overall effect.The cabin is designed to appeal not only to traditional Agila buyers, but also a new, younger and – according to the marketing types – mainly female audience. However, the attention to details falls down in one area, as activating the indicator stalk produces an irritatingly loud audio tone.

Longer

The new Agila is 20cm longer than its predecessor at slightly more than 3.7 metres. Yet it offers a surprising amount of room inside, particularly in the back, where two adults can travel in comfort. The rear is likely to be used by younger passengers, though, so three seats and belts are provided.The boot is comparable with its competitors’, and Club and Design models include a useful false floor. They also get a 60/40 split fold rear seat, which extends carrying capacity when flat to a handy 1,050 litres.There are three engines to choose from. The 64bhp 1.0-litre petrol and the 74bhp 1.3-litre diesel sit right on the 120g/km limit for reduced road tax. However, Vauxhall expects the 85bhp 1.2-litre petrol to account for most sales, and in manual form it returns CO2 emissions of 31g/km.It’s not hard to see why the bigger engine will be the most popular choice, because the 1.0-litre unit is merely adequate, and the diesel (a first in the Agila range) is simply too expensive. The 1.3-litre CDTI is borrowed from the Corsa supermini, and the 74bhp unit is sluggish when compared with the lively 1.2 petrol powerplant.It’s out on the road where the new Agila has made most progress. While the old car was basic transport, it’s now very easy – and fun – to drive, whether on city streets or twisting country routes. The four-cylinder petrol engine is eager, if a bit loud on the motorway, and the gearshift on manual cars is slick and assured.The cheapest Agila is the 1.0-litre Expression at £7,595, but you need to pay £8,895 for a 1.2-litre Club to get extra kit including six airbags, instead of four, MP3 capability on the stereo and electric windows.Vauxhall expects this will prove to be the most popular trim level in the line-up, and it also includes steering wheel audio controls and heated electric door mirrors.However, if you’re going to add all the toys, it’s worth looking instead at the Suzuki Splash. It works out cheaper than the Vauxhall, particularly when you factor in the Electronic Stability Program, which is standard on the Japanese car, yet a £400 option on the Agila. But the Vauxhall is still an excellent choice with plenty of appeal for small car buyers.

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RIVAL: VW Fox
The Fox lacks the visual appeal of the Agila, but it’s bigger and its four-seat layout makes for impressive interior room. It’s also solidly built with effective, economical engines and good road manners for a comparable price. Its residuals are also likely to be better than the Agila’s.Source

Chevrolet Camaro

Bye-bye budget cars... Chevrolet is ready to flex its muscles in the performance market. It won’t be unveiled officially until the Detroit Motor Show in 2010, but the stunning new Camaro has already been spied undisguised by our snappers in the US.The styling has barely changed from that of the Camaro concept which appeared at the 2006 Detroit expo. Angular lines, sharp details and bulging panels provide the Canadian-built model with a truly American look.Even the shapes of the front and rear lights are daring and distinctive, showing just how Chevy intends to rival the new Dodge Challenger.In the US, the most popular model in the range is likely to be the flagship V8 variant, but a cheaper V6 Camaro will also be offered.

What’s more, bosses are considering using an efficient four-cylinder power­plant, in anticipation of even higher fuel costs before the end of the decade. The newcomer shares its basic architecture with Vauxhall’s VXR8, so has a rear-wheel-drive transmission. Even though the Camaro will deli­ver Porsche-chasing performance, the firm is promising bargain prices, and the two-door is set to be cheaper than the VXR8. As a result, the V8-powered model will be available for less than £35,000.The Camaro is expected be available in right-hand drive when it goes on sale in the UK in 2010. It will head a rejuvenated Chevrolet line-up that will leave its Korean roots behind and embrace its US heritage.Before the Camaro is officially revealed, the General Motors-owned firm will pull the covers off its Lacetti replacement at the Paris Motor Show in September. Codenamed J300, the new compact model – which is based on the same platform as the next-generation Vauxhall Astra – will be available first as a four-door, while a hatchback variant is due to join the range at a later date.The French event will also see Chevrolet reveal a new MPV concept. This will be the first of many models, as the firm is promising to launch one every 16 weeks until 2012.Source

Citroen C3 Pluriel

Citroen’s quirky supermini cabrio has gone under the knife, and these are the first official pictures.At the front of the revised C3 Pluriel, the brand’s famous badge features larger chevrons than before, while new smoked headlamp lenses and darker indicators have also been added. The bumper now includes a large mesh air intake, and the rear light clusters get a black background to replace the silver trim that was used on the outgoing car.

Improvements to the cabin on all models include a polished chrome finish on the door handles, air vent surrounds and gearlever. The fresh Pluriel also offers a choice of three interior trims and a broader range of exterior colours than its predecessor.The revised line-up will go on sale in time for the summer. Prices aren’t likely to change, so the entry-level 1.4-litre petrol variant will start at £12,995. With its clever retractable hood, the Pluriel can be used as a conventional supermini or with the full-length sunroof open. Owners can even remove the side rails completely to convert it into a proper cabriolet.Source

T-Cut Color Fast Scratch Remover

You'd be hard pressed to find a second-hand car on the road without a scratch on its bodywork. When you’re running a vehicle every day, it’s sure to pick up the occasional blemish. And if the mark isn’t too major, you could try tackling the problem with this new product from top maker T-Cut.The Color Fast Scratch Remover combines a blemish-lifting formula with colour, to help whisk away unsightly marks. It comes in six of the most popular shades – black, red, silver, blue, green and white – and is claimed to incorporate microscopic nanoparticles, which help make the job easier.

We tried the product out on two different-sized scratches. The first were minor blemishes on a blue Citroen Saxo, caused by grit in a polishing cloth. We applied a small amount of Scratch Remover in a swirling motion, and were surprised at the results. After buffing, the mark had gone.The second test was on a scrape on a silver Skoda Octavia. This really was a job for a bodyshop, but the T-Cut still covered up some damage. It’s said to work best on scratches you can’t feel, and our test suggested this is the case. But while the Scratch Remover is a decent product, it’s pricey for 150g.Source

VW Scirocco GT

The all-new Scirocco was the star of this month’s Geneva Motor Show – and that’s helped turn the spotlight on to older variants.The boxy 1974 original is arguably the prettiest version of all those available, but a quick scan of the classifieds drew a blank – examples from that era are more likely to be found among enthusiasts’ clubs and at classic car dealers. So we looked for the more common second generation, which arrived in 1981.Yet even then, we could find only 11 models listed in a nationwide search, and all of these had covered huge distances. A trawl of specialist classic car Internet sites also failed to provide a huge selection, although we did track down this 1990 G-reg example on the ClassicCarsForSale.co.uk website.

The last-of-the-line manual GT has 75,000 miles on the clock and comes with a fresh MoT. It’s incredibly rare, but remember, the 1.8-litre model isn’t fast by modern standards, and the annual road tax bill comes to a hefty £185.A group 14 rating also makes insurance expensive, although the £1,295 price means you should have some cash to spend on running costs. Its rarity – plus the reappearance of the Scirocco badge on a new VW product – means its value is unlikely to drop any further. So, this is a good potential investment for the future.Source

Ford Fiesta RS

Calling all fast Ford fans – get ready for the ultimate Fiesta. Following our sensational pictures of the ST in Issue 994, Auto Express can now give you the best look yet at an even hotter version – the RS.Taking Fiesta performance to new heights, the exciting model will be a stripped-out, lightweight pocket rocket. It’s effectively a hardcore version of the ST, promising few creature comforts but amazing handling and even more driver appeal.he newcomer is set to rival forthcoming high-performance superminis such as MINI’s John Cooper Works, along with existing extreme hot hatches including Vaux­hall’s Corsa VXR. But the Fiesta RS will actually be closest in spirit to the Renaultsport Clio 197 Cup – another car that takes a minimalistic route.

As you can see from our exclusive images, the aggressive bodykit adds bulging wheel­arches, lowered side sills and a rear spoiler to the Fiesta’s already sporty lines.News that a hot Fiesta is on the way will be music to the ears of buyers who had been looking forward to the previous-generation Fiesta RS, previewed at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show as a concept (pictured below right).That project was canned when Ford bosses couldn’t make it economically viable across Europe. RS sales are always biggest in the UK, whereas take-up in France, Germany and Spain is much smaller. These days, conditions are, if anything, even tougher with high steel prices and a strong Euro making it very difficult to make money on a small car – particularly if it’s a flagship performance hatchback.However, thanks to Ford’s increased profitability in Europe, hot models are back on the agenda. The Focus RS has already been given the green light for production (see Issue 992) and the Fiesta version is the next step.Available in limited numbers, the hot Fiesta will have a special-edition feel with a stripped-out cabin featuring racing-style seats, lightweight materials throughout and lots of RS detailing. To keep the weight down, kit will be basic – and that’s great news for performance.It’s likely to use a slightly uprated version of the ST’s potential 1.6-litre turbocharged engine – inspired by the hi-tech range of small cap-acity direct-injection EcoBoost turbo units revealed by Ford at the Detroit Motor Show earlier this year. With that on board, the RS would develop about 200bhp and sprint from 0-60mph in only six seconds, on its way to a 140mph top speed. With its light weight, CO2 emissions and economy should be kept down.It’s unlikely, however, that the Fiesta will follow the forthcoming Focus RS’s lead by having a clever front differential. But it could use Ford’s six-speed twin-clutch semi-auto gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddle­shifters, giving the RS the feel of a Junior World Rally Car. Add wider tracks, stiffened springs, uprated dampers and thicker anti-roll bars plus fat, sticky tyres, and the RS promises to handle brilliantly.hile the new Fiesta will reach dealerships in October and the ST is due in 2009, the RS isn’t likely to arrive until 2010, with a potential price tag of around £17,000.Source

Gadget to find Lost keys for you....

Forgotten where you left your keys? These glasses could have the answer.

Forgotten where you put your car keys? These specs will help you find them! The Smart Goggle records everything the wearer sees, and also recognises objects – so it can show you where you last saw them. The glasses were developed by boffins at Tokyo University, and while this prototype is too large for practical use, scientists are working on miniaturising the electronics.

Inventor Yasuo Kuniyoshi claims the Smart Goggle – which incorporates the world’s most advanced object-recognition software – will eventually be more intelligent than the person wearing it, and able to identify items even they can’t recognise.Source

Kia KOUP unveiled

It's already got the KEE, and now Kia is ready to unlock its potential and fly the KOUP! These are the first pictures of the exciting coupe that brings a dash of style the Korean firm's line-up.The sleek KOUP follows the striking KEE concept from last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, and features the firm’s trademark H-pattern grille. Narrow wraparound headlamps and a smart air intake at the front also help to make it the sportiest Kia yet.The KOUP is longer than a Mazda RX-8, so there’s plenty of space inside, although the stunning show car features a pair of individual rear seats. The cabin looks virtually production-ready, with the design taking in Alfa Romeo-style instrument cowlings, plus an eye-catching starter button.

The performance theme continues under the bonnet, with a new direct- injection 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. Thanks to a twin scroll turbocharger, it produces 286bhp, which is enough to deliver decent pace. It’s mated to a hi-tech six-speed semi-automatic box controlled either by a sequential style gearlever, or the steering wheel-mounted paddles.The sleek KOUP was styled at Kia’s America Design Centre in California, rather than the European HQ in Germany, where the KEE concept was penned under the guidance of former Audi designer Peter Schreyer.There are no plans yet for a convertible version, but if one does get the go-ahead, it could well have a fabric hood. Schreyer is known to prefer these to folding hard-tops.Source

Acura RL

Is this the car that will finally bring Honda’s luxury Acura brand to British shores? According to our sources, the image on the right provides the best insight yet into plans currently under review to do exactly that.ased on the chassis that underpins Honda’s four-wheel-drive Legend saloon, the model is being described as a replacement for the top-of-the-range Acura RL – a front-wheel-drive machine available in the US market.ower is from an all-new 4.8-litre V8 engine producing at least 420bhp, and the newcomer will also benefit from a dev­elopment of Honda’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) transmission, along with a special cylinder deactivation engine management system that cuts fuel use. The hi-tech drivetrain is able to channel power to individual wheels, and works as a highly advanced traction control package. This will provide the new model with tremendous stability on slippery surfaces.

Meanwhile, the engine’s cylinder management set-up uses electronic valve control technology, which can switch off some of the chambers to boost mpg. It means that at cruising speeds, the V8 can run on only four cylinders. But then, under full throttle, the system will reactivate all eight of them, enhancing performance.Other technology tipped to appear on the RL includes night vision, as well as an evolution of Honda’s Lane Keep Assist set-up, which is already offered in the Legend and Accord.A self-driving feature should also mean the car will be capable of park­ing itself, while a hybrid version of the Acura has not been ruled out. This would threaten to lure customers from rival Lexus’s petrol-electric LS600h.After making its first public appearance in the middle of 2010, the new RL is expected to land in American showrooms carrying a price equivalent to around £45,000.
According to sources at Honda, the firm’s domestic market in Japan will be the next target. If the launch there is successful, sales in the UK could follow as early as 2012.Source

Vauxhall Meriva

The new Vauxhall Meriva has hit the road! Our spies caught the supermini-MPV winter testing. And despite the eye-boggling disguise, it’s clear that the prototype is almost identical to the concept version that starred at the Geneva Motor Show. Engineers have tried hard to cover up the car’s side profile and back end, and focused much of the camouflage on the newcomer’s rear-hinged FlexDoors. Also hidden is the distinctive kink that appears along the window line.

Elsewhere, the influence of the car displayed on the stands is clear to see. It shares the same steeply raked front end, short overhangs and upright tail. The high roofline and wheel-at-each-corner stance allow for a spacious interior that will easily seat five adults.Deep under the disguise lies a stretched version of the Corsa platform. The latest supermini is also the source of all the Meriva’s mechanicals, enabling Vauxhall to offer a wide range of engines. These include the smooth and punchy 1.3 and 1.7-litre CDTI diesels, as well as a fire-breathing 189bhp 1.6-litre petrol turbo for the range-topping VXR model. And all variants will be equipped with fuel-saving stop-start technology.
The Meriva is scheduled to go on sale in UK showrooms early in 2009.Source

New Ford Focus RS

Take a look at the best picture yet of Ford’s Focus RS! Just a few months after bosses gave the new hot hatch the green light (Issue 992), we caught this striking prototype testing in Germany.
While the car wears a previous-generation Focus ST bodykit, there’s a big giveaway that it’s no ordinary model – check out the giant scoop on the bonnet, which feeds the modified 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo engine with cool air. Twin bonnet air vents, harking back to the Escort RS Cosworth, will replace the scoop on the production car. Blistered wheelarches, a rear wing and a low front splitter will also feature.

With a larger turbocharger, remapped electronics and a bigger intercooler, the 2.5-litre Focus ST-derived unit will produce around 280bhp, enabling the RS to sprint from 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 155mph.It’s likely that Ford will equip the newcomer with a clever electronic differential, giving the front-wheel-drive layout excellent traction. A six-speed manual box will be fitted, but Ford’s new twin-clutch VW DSG-style Powershift transmission could appear, too. The RS will go on sale next year, priced around £25,000. A concept will be revealed at the British Motor Show in London in July. Source

Mercedes SL63 AMG

It's a big claim, but Mercedes says the new SL63 AMG is the sportiest roadster it has ever made. Better even than the open-top SLR McLaren. Out on the road, you can see why. Trademark AMG styling cues such as deeper side skirts, a black grille and unique bumpers work with the latest SL’s angular lines to give real presence.The big exhausts and pronounced bonnet bulge are the visual giveaways to the 519bhp 6.3-litre V8 which is at the heart of this car’s appeal. But it’s not until you press the gearlever-mounted starter button and hear the rumble of the unit that you get a true sense of the performance potential.

The 0-60mph sprint takes less than 4.6 seconds, and the 630Nm of torque gives a seemingly endless amount of overtaking punch. What’s more, the SL63 is the first car to use AMG’s new SPEEDSHIFT MCT-7 transmission – and it’s a revelation. Doing away with the standard car’s torque convertor, the seven-speed gearbox uses multiple clutches to provide smooth shifts and give the driver better control. And this isn’t the only thing that makes the Merc feel like a supercar. AMG has worked its magic on the SL’s Active Body Control, fitted a switchable three-stage ESP stability system and revised the damping. Our car also featured the £8,230 Performance Package, which includes composite brakes, a limited slip differential and enhanced suspension.
As a result, pressing the throttle to the floor doesn’t cause the car to squirm as it did in the old SL55 AMG. The Merc now turns in with agility, while the reassuring levels of grip and the gearbox control allow you to exploit the engine’s power as never before. Body stiffness is impressive, too, and it’s a great tribute to AMG’s damper tweaking that the 63 rides as well as the standard SL.
An array of sporty materials such as Alcantara, carbon and leather give the cabin a racy feel, too, and means the SL63 can rightly claim to be one of the most desirable roadsters currently available. At least, that is, until the rumoured AMG Black edition arrives in 18 months’ time...Source

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Ety8 Bluetooth headphones

Now headphones for back-seat passengers go wireless

Children have a knack of tangling themselves up in headphone cables, especially when they’re in the back of the car. But these Ety8 earpieces use Bluetooth to wirelessly stream music from an iPod – doing away with the need for wires.The in-ear design can feel odd, but our teenage assistant soon got comfortable, and had no complaints during a four-hour road trip. It helps that they are easy to set up and use. Plug the Bluetooth transmitter into the recharging slot on your player, and you’re ready to go. Track selection, volume and play/pause functions are accessible via the headphones, too.

Battery life is an impressive eight hours, while USB ports on each headphone are used for recharging. They even work if the iPod is in the boot. We like the fact they can be hooked up to other Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as mobile phones. This means you can listen to music stored on your hand­set, although it would have been even better if the earpieces also worked as a hands-free kit.

However, our main complaint is with the sound quality, with some tracks seeming a little tinny – especially disappointing considering how much they cost.Source

BMW M3 : First Drive

Four-door super-saloon is back

There aren't many family four-doors that can offer the thrills and performance of the latest BMW M3 saloon. It boasts the same 414bhp 4.0-litre V8 engine as the coupé version and the straight-line speed to worry a Porsche 911. With a practical four-door body, it adds even more desirability to one of the most famous performance badges around. As well as the storming V8, the M3 has a huge bonnet power bulge, side skirts, flared wheel-arches, 18-inch alloys and a chromed quad exhaust. Thankfully, the saloon does without the coupé’s tacky carbon fibre roof, and looks better for it. Bar leather sports seats, a chunky steering wheel and M badges, there’s little difference inside from a standard 3-Series. But with a great driving position, plus the practicality of four doors, decent rear space and a 450-litre boot (up 20 litres on the coupé), there’s much to like.

That goes for the driving experience, too. The big V8 dominates, emitting a throbbing rumble at idle and a roar at high revs. Performance is incredible. The 0-60mph dash takes less than five seconds, there’s mighty urge in all six gears and a savage kick towards the 8,400rpm red line. A Power button sharpens response even more. It’s disappointing, then, that the gearbox has a notchy action. Buyers might want to wait for the seven-speed twin-clutch paddleshift unit due in summer. Our test car had optional electronic dampers, and even with them at their stiffest Sport setting, the saloon rides comfortably. It corners just like the coupé, with little body roll, plenty of agility and huge grip. Purists will moan that its steering should offer more feel, but the result is a fabulously capable grand tourer that can also cover twisty roads at an enormous rate.

At nearly £50,000, the M3 saloon is pricey and has huge running costs, but there’s no denying its epic appeal.Source

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Suzuki Kizashi 3

This Car is a star of the NY Auto Show

It’s third time lucky for Suzuki! Take a look at the stunning Kizashi 3 concept, which has made its debut at the New York Motor Show. After two previous show cars it provides the best view yet of how the firm’s all-new Ford Mondeo challenger will look.Kizashi means prelude in Japanese and this four-wheel drive show car bodes well for the future production model, which has been given the green light by company bosses. Its sleek lines, smooth bodysides and flush fitting light clusters will bring Suzuki’s small car excellence to a much wider audience for the first time.

Power comes from a 295bhp 3.6-litre V6 engine, which is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. The sporty self-shifter also features steering wheel mounted paddles for manual shifts, while an all-wheel drive chassis promises to deliver incredible roadholding.
The first Kizashi concept debuted at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show and was followed by a second show car in Tokyo later in the year. The production version will hit dealers in 2010 and there’s good news for UK motorists because the firm is planning to develop an economical 2.0-litre diesel engine.Source

Karcher steam cleaner

This cleaner is superb at sprucing up car interiors, from top to bottom.

With the daily bashing car interiors take, you may find that the usual cleaning methods don’t always work. If you’re struggling to shift ingrained stains, both inside and outside, a steam cleaner can help.This Karcher model comes with all manner of accessories to help you tackle the job. You fill up the built-in water reservoir from the tap, and within three minutes it’s ready to go. Steam is delivered via a flexible, two-metre-long hose, which makes working in and around your motor easier.

We tackled a number of blemishes for this test. First was some polish residue on the seats, which quickly vanished using the brush fixture. We also spruced up the entire interior quickly with the same attachment. Just be careful not to leave it in one place for too long, otherwise the area gets damp.

In addition, we tried cleaning some parts under the bonnet and on wheels, but this wasn’t totally successful as some of the stains remained. The closer you get with the nozzle, the more effective it is as the steam is at its hottest at the source, but we found it’s far better suited to interior cleaning.Source

Saleen S5S Raptor

The American tuning firm Saleen has unveiled a new supercar, aimed at the likes of the Porsche 911 and Audi R8.Inspired by the $1 million S7 endurance racer, this is the Saleen S5S Raptor - and it promises to put the company firmly on the performance car map. The spectacular looking machine is powered by a mid-mounted, 5.0-litre V8, tuned to run on E85 bioethanol fuel.

Unveiled at the 2008 New York Motor Show, the car also gets a supercharger to lift power to an impressive 650bhp. Performance is channelled to the road via the rear wheels, through a six speed manual gearbox, while the car also gets huge 20-inch wheels and high performance brakes with powerful six pot callipers.
Based on a weight saving aluminium spaceframe chassis - similar in concept to the one that underpins the Lotus Elise - the strict two seater promises a 0-60mph sprint of only 3.2-seconds and a top speed of 202mph.
Prices are yet to be announced, but its thought the car will sell for around £100,000 when it goes on sale early next year.Source

The flying car returns.....!!!!!!

Cars that think they are aeroplanes are nothing new, but this radical design from Milner Motors really does break fresh ground.It's basically a hybrid of an electric car and light aircraft, and though at first glimpse might look a little crazy, it does offer some interesting technology.

With a lightweight electic engine providing the push on the ground, the car also gets two rotary engines, to drive two fans that will propel the car through the air. In ground mode, top speed is claimed to be 85mph thanks to a 40bhp electric motor. In the air, the composite bodied machine offers 300bhp and a top speed of 200mph.This first prototype unveiled at the 2008 New York Motor Show is described as a non-flying, but drivable prototype - and according to a spokes person is "designed to demonstrate the solutions to problems inherent in building a car that flies."Source

Baby Land Rover

Here's proof that Land Rover is set to turn on the style. As the British brand gets ready to push upmarket, Auto Express can exclusively reveal the look of an exciting new model. Our spies have produced these exclusive images from top secret information.Based on the LRX concept cars that wowed the crowds at this year’s Detroit and Geneva motor shows, the newcomer is a sporty five-door SUV. It will slot into the range above the Freelander and go head-to-head with prestige brand rivals, including the upcoming BMW X1 and Audi Q5.The model will showcase technology aimed at increasing efficiency and boosting the marque’s green credentials. A stop-start system and a hybrid drivetrain are likely to appear as top brass attempt to reduce the overall CO2 emissions of the range.But the exterior will get the most attention. The LRX’s aggressive front end has clearly been a big influence, although the new car also benefits from a versatile five-door body and an increase in height to give extra space for both occupants and luggage.It is lower than the Freelander it’s based on, however, while shallower side windows and black pillars give the impression of a ‘floating’ roof. At the rear is a handy split tailgate.Stepping inside, you’ll find a heavily toned-down version of the show car’s cabin. The dashboard and other fixtures are likely to be carried over from the Freelander. Luxurious materials such as leather, wood, carbon fibre and aluminium are expected to be used, while the quality of the plastics will be raised to match.

Buyers can expect a wide range of engine options. Stop-start technology fitted to the 2.2-litre diesel and 3.2-litre straight-six petrol units will lower fuel consumption and CO2 out-put – helping Land Rover meet EU regulations to cut its overall average output to 130g/km by 2012. There is also the possibility of a hi-tech hybrid system. Using super-capacitors rather than batteries, it will store energy from regenerative braking and a traditional alternator. When the driver wants extra acceleration, the electricity is channelled to motors hidden in the front wheels.All variants get a chassis biased towards composed on-road ride and handling. But, being a Land Rover, it will also perform well off the tarmac. The firm’s smart Terrain Response all-wheel-drive transmission will provide settings for grass, gravel and snow.A name for the newcomer has yet to be decided, although Freelander Sport has been suggested. Expect a showroom version as early as 2010.Source

Opel Flextreme gets a makeover for the US

Saturn got its own version of the innovative Flextreme concept car at this year's New York Motor Show. Painted a vivid red, the car was virtually identical to the Opel badged Flextreme, first shown at last year's Frankfurt spectacular.The reveal was important, because it shows how serious Opel and Saturn parent firm GM is about sharing the very best of European design and engineering with its US subiduary companies. As well as a new livery and revised badging, the Saturn Flextreme also gets extra chrome, and tinted windows over the European version in a nod to this car's more luxurious character.

Under the bonnet, the diesel electric hybrid engined Flexstreme gets a 1.3-litre turbo diesel, plus lithium-ion batteries, capable of propelling the car 34 miles without the intervention of the fossil fuel engine.There's no word on when the car will make production, however, and Saturn bosses were remaining tight lipped over whether or not the firm's next step would be to receive an evolution of the Meriva concept car, shown at the recent Geneva Motor Show - saying simply they were gauging public reaction.Source

Nissan Cube goes electric

At the moment, it's just a spark of an idea... But Nissan is promising this very special electric engined Cube offers a big clue to the future of the maker's small car line up.Developed in 2007 as part of an effort to accelerate the development of the company's electric car line-up, the cute city car offers a powerful engine capable of driving both front and rear wheels.

This working prototype is the first to feature new battery technology that the maker says could debut as early as 2010 in the Cube's Mixim based replacement. Nissan has committed to building an all electric vehicle for the Japanese market by this date using this concept's laminated battery technology.This sees the car's plug-in power pack shaped like a suitcase, and pound for pound offers twice the energy and 1.5 times the power of a similarly sized, conventional cylindrical unit.Source

Mighty Lexus IS-F Five Axis

One of the stars of this week's New York Motor Show is this specially tuned Lexus IS-F.

Can't help feeling the new Lexus IS-F isn't a worthy rival for Europe's fastest? Then feast your eyes on this spectacular evolution of the newcomer built by an American tuning firm called Five Axis.Aimed at stealing the thunder from the likes of the eagerly anticipated new BMW M3 CSL and powerful Mercedes C63 AMG Black, the car is powered by a near 600bhp evolution of the standard cars 5.0-litre V8. To add visual drama, the composite bodied machine is actually a full six inches wider than the standard model, thanks to wheelarch extensions and changes to the front and rear axles.

The car also gets 20-inch alloy wheels, plus custom paint - called black pearl satin black. The matt finish looks spectacular, and though not yet offered as an option at dealers, the changes to the car do show that the Japanese firm is serious about delivering performance modifications for the IS, under a new programme called Lexus F Specification. This will allow customers to choose from a wide range of go faster options, designed to make their cars look and drive better.Source

Hyundai Genesis

Set to make its public debut at the New York Motor Show this week, the rear wheel drive machine is based on an all new chassis, and gets both new engines and new gearbox options too.Entry level models will offer a 211bhp, four cylinder 2.0-litre turbo, while flagship models get a 3.6-litre V6 with 210bhp. Both cars offer a choice of six speed manual and six speed automatic gearboxes.The revolution at Hyundai starts here. These are the first official pictures of the eagerly anticipated Genesis coupe - the first car in a two pronged attack on the sports car market from the Korean car builder.

The new Coupé has been developed for markets in the USA and Korea, and as yet, there are no plans to introduce a right hand drive evolution of the car. However company bosses in the UK are said to be monitoring the situation carefully, and if demand for the car is perceived to be strong enough, a small run of such machines could be built. As a result, the car will be on Hyundai’s show stand at this years London Motor Show in July.Source

Infiniti 4dr GT-R

NEW-to-the-UK Infiniti is planning a performance saloon based on the GT-R supercar from parent firm Nissan. And it looks set to be named the R50.The model has been championed by enthusiasts at Infiniti’s new European division, who had hoped that the GT-R would wear the luxury badge.

A source told us, “Launching new cars these days is all about recouping investment costs. Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn wouldn’t have approved the GT-R if its hi-tech chassis and transmission were not going to be used in some way in other models – including products from Infiniti and [sister firm] Renault. It’s the only way of making it pay. So building a performance Infi-niti saloon is perfect business sense.”
Our spies have revealed that the newcomer will be underpinned by a stretched version of the GT-R platform. Engineers currently have a choice of two powerplants. Most obvious is the GT-R’s 473bhp twin-turbo 3.8-litre V6 – although they may be forced to use the 5.0-litre V8 unit recently unveiled in Infiniti’s all-new FX50 SUV. That’s because Nissan produces the GT-R’s engine by hand – output is only 50 a day, which would be nowhere near enough to supply Infiniti, too.
Plans for new models don’t stop there, however. Another source says Nissan hopes to build a US-market, GT-R-based SUV – a car even bigger and bolder than the 385bhp FX50. It will be aimed squarely at the Range Rover’s replacement, due in 2010.Source

Vauxhall Insignia

As the new Vauxhall family car gets ready for its summer debut, teaser pictures are flooding out.

They're spy shots, but not as we know them!
These are the first official pictures of the Vectra replacing family car, the Insignia. Our spies have been snapping the saloon and hatchback models out on test for months, but these images are taken inside the design studio.

Along with two undisguised images of the Insignia's headlamps and grille, the we can see designers applying tape and cladding to a production ready model.

It's clear the Insignia is going to be far more stylish than the current Vectra. When it goes on display at the British Motor Show in July it will feature a brand new Vauxhall badge.Source

Toyota iQ

The wraps are off the new Toyota iQ – and it’s not only the name of this show-stopping city car which is clever. Smart design features mean there’s a surprisingly roomy cabin lurking within its deceptively small frame.
Space-saving innovations unveiled at the recent Geneva Motor Show include a flat underfloor fuel tank, as well as a more compact engine bay. So although it’s less than three metres long, the new model still has enough space inside to carry three adults and a child.And that’s not the only trick up the iQ’s sleeve. To give the driver more legroom, there’s a flat-bottomed steering wheel, which also houses all the audio controls, to save space on the centre console. Ultra-slim seatbacks are made from a one-piece moulding to create more room in the back. And a storage tray is concealed below the rear seat to keep the cabin clear. This 50:50-split bench can be folded flat to increase luggage capacity. Engin­eers have also reduced the size of the heater and air-con unit to free space and let the front passenger sit closer to the windscreen. This is aided by an asymmetric dash, which intrudes further into the cabin on the driver’s side.
Under the bonnet, a new differential allows the Toyota to have a more com­pact engine compartment, while the wheels are pos-itioned in each corner, and there’s a short front overhang.
When the iQ hits showrooms in spring 2009, there will be a choice of two petrol units and one diesel. CO2 emissions from as low as 100g/km are likely, but prices aren’t yet available.Source

Ford GT Avro 720 Mirage

Brooklands-based supercer specialist Avro Motor Cars has joined forces with Roush Technologies to create the ultimate Ford special edition. Only 10 examples of the Avro 720 Mirage will be created, with a top speed in excess of 220mph.

Every model will be finished in the bright orange paint shown here, with matt black details and wheels to go with the bespoke badging. Designers have even done away with the rear bumper to save weight.
Engineers have managed to better the existing Roush tuned Ford GT’s power output by 120bhp, taking the total to 720bhp. This is due in part to a highly tuned supercharger, while the chassis has also been upgraded to cope with the extra performance.Source

Hyundai Genesis

The revolution at Hyundai starts here. These are the first official pictures of the eagerly anticipated Genesis coupe - the first car in a two pronged attack on the sports car market from the Korean car builder.

Set to make its public debut at the New York Motor Show this week, the rear wheel drive machine is based on an all new chassis, and gets both new engines and new gearbox options too.

Entry level models will offer a 211bhp, four cylinder 2.0-litre turbo, while flagship models get a 3.6-litre V6 with 210bhp. Both cars offer a choice of six speed manual and six speed automatic gearboxes.

The new Coupé has been developed for markets in the USA and Korea, and as yet, there are no plans to introduce a right hand drive evolution of the car. However company bosses in the UK are said to be monitoring the situation carefully, and if demand for the car is perceived to be strong enough, a small run of such machines could be built. As a result, the car will be on Hyundai’s show stand at this years London Motor Show in July.Source

Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X

Driving
This car is all about performance, and the Evo X delivers incredible pace. It’s available in three power outputs, and even the base 290bp car accelerates from 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds. The engine is a gem, but the big news is the availability of a VW DSG-style twin-clutch transmission, called Sport Shift Transmission. Lightning-quick changes make this one of the best semi-autos we have ever tried. The car’s handling is also brilliant. Lots of technology means that grip is super and body roll is kept to a minimum. It’s amazingly surefooted, while the steering provides excellent feedback. Of course, stiff suspension produces a firm ride, but Mitsubishi has got the balance right – it feels composed in day-to-day use, yet remains hardcore enough not to alienate diehard fans.

Marketplace
The 10th incarnation of the legendary Mitsubishi Evo is the car, bosses hope, to be a genuine alternative to a BMW M3. The four-door model certainly provides plenty of road presence, thanks to a bold nose, flared wheelarches and short overhangs. It’s more subtle than before, though all models still get 18-inch wheels and a rear diffuser incorporating twin exhausts. There are three variants – the FQ-300, FQ-330 and FQ-360, the latter distinguished by its carbonfibre front splitter and ‘shark’s tooth’ spoiler above the rear window. There are also two trims, GS and GSR. Just the single 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine features, in various states of tune, with the option of either a five-speed manual or the SST semi-auto. Rivals include the Subaru Impreza STi and the Vauxhall Vectra VXR.

Owning
The interior, while no match for premium opponents such as the M3 and Audi RS4, offers a far better environment than the Impreza. The soft-touch dash, neat switchgear and three-spoke steering wheel give it a modern feel. It’s just a shame the dashboard looks so much like that in the Outlander compact 4x4 – and, thus, the same as that in the Citroen C-Crosser and Peugeot 4007. However, the driving position is good, Recaro sports seats are excellent and the practical bodyshell, coupled with a long wheelbase, means there’s lots of space for five and their luggage. Equipment levels are good, too. Prices are competitive and retained values strong – and Mitsubishi has stretched service intervals, from a previously-unacceptable 4,500-mile regime to a much more sensible 12,500-mile schedule. This should help save some money for fearsome fuel and insurance bills!Source

• Rating:
• On the road price: £27,499
• For : Sheer pace, excellent engine, brilliant semi-auto, easier to live with
• Against : Stiff ride, interior not a match for German alternatives

Driving techniques on DVD

Learning to improve your driving skills is vital if you’re to enjoy your car safely. This DVD is aimed at those who want to enhance their abilities behind the wheel using tried and tested techniques.
BlatSafe is quick to point out that the road is no place to explore the limits of your car. Instead, it aims to arm viewers with life-saving planning and anticipation skills to make driving more fun.
The DVD is split into chapters which cover everything from preparing for a drive, observation, planning, anticipation and how to make smooth progress. It’s based on the Roadcraft techniques the police use to teach high-speed pursuit officers and advanced drivers. The trouble is, the quality of the footage is really poor, while an awful thrash metal soundtrack makes viewing unpleasant.
The voiceover offers superb advice, and there’s no doubt the messages are spot-on. But it’s all delivered in a boring tone that’s difficult to stay focused on.
So although the thinking behind this DVD is good, as the maker points out, it’s no substitute for a real-life lesson. It doesn’t help that it’s let down by disappointing production values which make the £18 price tag look excessive.Source

Fiat download kit

A clever gadget will enable Fiat owners to download telemetry from their car – just like an F1 driver.

Rather than help them go faster, however, the data will allow motorists to boost their fuel economy. In a world first, the brand’s EcoDrive system analyses your driving style and suggests ways to improve it. Using a simple USB key, owners can even download plots of consumption and CO2 emissions to their PC.

EcoDrive will be available on the Grande Punto and 500 in September, before being rolled out across the rest of the range. It will be free with Blue&Me – the clever on-board com­munications system co-developed with computer giant Microsoft.Source

Farbio GTS : First Drive

Rating:

Over the years, the sports car market has seen plenty of failed dreams – but that hasn’t prevented one of the most determined entrepreneurs in Britain from having a crack at it.The Farbio GTS bears testament to Arash Farboud’s dogged determination to build his perfect supercar. And now, nearly five years after the design started life as a model badged the Farboud GTS, it’s ready to drive.The newcomer certainly looks the part, resembling a mini McLaren F1 from the front three-quarters. Head on, it reminds us of the 1999 Lotus M250 concept car, which isn’t surprising, as the Farbio was originally penned by an anonymous, moonlighting Lotus designer. Unlike other home-spun British sports cars, the panel gaps are tight and consistent, which is encouraging for a pre-production model.The quality of the fit and finish is down to the Farbio’s bodywork being made entirely from carbon fibre. This has the strength of steel with a fraction of the weight, and is then bonded to a steel chassis. The whole package has been designed for maximum rigidity, which shows when you hit the road.The GTS is as responsive as any sports car we’ve driven. The steering is superb, and provides precise and detailed feedback from the tarmac. The ride isn’t bad, either, soaking up all but the worst imperfections, while the cabin is impressively rattle free.As with the rest of the car, the interior is simply designed and well conceived. Quality isn’t on a par with rivals such as Porsche or BMW, but it’s still well put together, with leather sports seats, although the Alcantara headlining and full hide interior is
a hefty £2,265 extra. The dashboard is button-free, and the standard-fit sound system, sat-nav and air-con are all controlled from a central touch- screen, which is easy to use.
The cockpit offers plenty of room and, although there’s no luggage space under the bonnet, the 220-litre boot behind the engine is large enough for a golf bag. The only blemish inside is the amount of road noise, but it’s not a patch on the pounding your ears get in a Lotus Elise.The 3.0-litre mid-mounted V6 is the unit Ford used in its Mondeo ST220. It’s slotted in behind the driver, and Farbio has made the motor sound unobtrusive when cruising. Accelerate hard, though, and the growl rises to a glorious wail as the revs increase. Aided by the fact that the lightweight GTS tips the scales at only 1,048kg, the 262bhp petrol engine pulls strongly. But any potential owners after more power will have to wait for the 360bhp supercharged version, due out later this year.Source
Rival: Porsche 911 Carrera
The benchmark £60,000-plus sports car is still as talented as ever. It’s the ultimate usable supercar, combining mind-boggling performance with the practicality of an everyday runabout.

Review : Hyundai i10

Driving
Light controls ensure the Hyundai is extremely straightforward to drive. With a tight turning circle and excellent visibility, it has all the key attributes a great city car requires. The 1.1-litre engine delivers keen throttle response, making sure the i10 is nippy through traffic. Combine this with responsive steering, progressive brakes and a tidy gearshift, and the Hyundai is fun and easy to drive. Even so, it’s worth pointing out the engine does get a little coarse at higher revs, and the ride tends to be on the firm side. However, the stiff suspension does mean the i10 is stable at motorway speeds.

Marketplace
The i10 replaces Hyundai’s previous city five-door, the Amica. Built in India, links to the old car are clear, particularly in the unattractive side profile. However, the tidy nose and rear are attractive and modern, similar to the bigger i30. Powered by a single 1.1-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, Hyundai’s baby comes in three trim lines – Classic, Style and Comfort. Rivals come far and wide, and include the Fiat Panda, Toyota Aygo, Peugeot 107, Citroen C1, Volkswagen Fox and Kia Picanto.

Owning
The dashboard design is modern, while the materials used are impressive for a car in this price range. The high-mounted stereo is excellent, with big buttons and a CD player, as well as compatibility with MP3 players. What’s more, the thin-rimmed steering wheel adjusts for height, and the gearlever is perfectly placed on the dashboard. There’s a decent amount of space, with enough legroom in the rear for adults to sit comfortably. Unlike rivals, the i10’s back seats split and fold, while you get three rear belts and a full complement of headrests. Quoted economy of 56mpg is impressive and the low list prices include very good levels of equipment, plus Hyundai’s five-year warranty.Source

• Rating:
• On the road price: £6,495 - £7,595
• For : Entertaining to drive, peppy 1.1-litre, generous equipment and space
• Against : Engine coarse when revved, ride a little firm

Sony sat-nav

Size matters. Sony’s latest sat-nav has the largest display we’ve tried, at 4.8 inches. The NV-U93T provides an easy-to-see widescreen view, while the slim design means it isn’t too heavy.These strong first impressions don’t last, though. The mounting bracket is designed to sit on the dash or sucker to the windscreen, but it has a tight angle, so fitting is tricky in many cars. And while the unit passed our map accuracy test and hunted down our sample postcodes correctly, its points of interest (POI) were average. We liked the navigation, with clear, well spoken instructions given in ample time, large countdown pictograms and text-to-speech on main road numbers, yet you don’t get the latter on minor roads or street names.

You pay a one-off £20 to activate the traffic message channel (TMC) facility, and it worked well, although the aerial has to be stretched across the dash. Owners are also restricted to Sony’s Memory Stick media for extra space, which is limiting.

Speed trap warnings are free for a year, but some cameras were missed. The Blue­tooth hands-free was fiddly, too. Overall, the Sony isn’t as user-friendly as rivals.Source

Dacia Sandero

Luxury brands like Infiniti and Lancia won’t be the only new kids on the block in 2009 – budget brand Dacia will hit UK roads, too. It unveiled the Sandero (above) in Geneva, and the car is set to start from below £7,000.Yet despite its supermini price tag, the five-door Sandero is closer in size to a small family model. It also offers a 320-litre boot, which extends to 1,200 litres with the rear seats flat.

On the Continent, the Sandero is available with a choice of four engines. However, UK bosses have yet to decide which will make it to British showrooms. The options comprise 73bhp 1.4-litre and 88bhp 1.6-litre petrols, plus 68bhp and 83bhp versions of Renault’s frugal 1.5 dCi diesel. The oil-burner is sure to appeal thanks to CO2 emissions of 120g/km.

Between 30 and 50 per cent of Renault dealers will sell Dacias in branded areas of the showroom.Source

Ford Focus : Buyer's Guide

When the second-generation Focus arrived in late 2004, it didn’t create the same stir as the 1998 original – but don’t let that put you off. Improv­ing significantly on its superb predecessor was always going to be tough, yet Ford still managed it. The MkII is more roomy and refined, with a better cabin, and it’s just as good to drive.

History
the model hit showrooms in Septem­ber 2004, offering a choice of three or five-door hatch, saloon and estate bodystyles. Engine options ranged from a 1.4-litre petrol up to a 2.0-litre diesel, but buyers had to wait until March 2006 for the 1.8-litre petrol.In September 2005, the fabulous Focus ST arrived, with a thirsty 221bhp 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine. A face­lifted version of the latest model has also just appeared in UK dealers.

What to look for
Odd clicking noises on the 1.6 auto can be traced to the path of the gear­shift control cable, although re-routing it is a simple and permanent fix. If you are buying a basic Focus, ensure the seats offer enough support, as higher-spec models have heavier bolstering.
At the other end of the spectrum, if you buy a top-of-the-range variant fitted with big wheels, check the ride isn’t too firm. Even 17-inch alloys on low-profile tyres can affect the ride comfort, so take any potential buy for a thorough test drive on broken surfaces before parting with your cash.If you are considering a CC coupé-cabrio model (from 2006 onwards), take it through a car wash to see if any water gets into the cabin, and make sure the roof works. All sorts of sealing problems with the mechanism have been reported – and resolving them hasn’t been straightforward.

Alternatives
the great-value Vauxhall Astra is the Focus’s main rival, and there are thousands available. Mazda’s 3 shares its underpinnings with the Ford, so it is worth a look, while other key rivals are also Japanese, in the shape of Toyota’s Corolla and the Honda Civic. While you’ll buy the Toyota for its unfailing reliability, the Civic’s talented chassis and strong build make it a great all-rounder. VW’s Golf is another option, but it’s more pricey than the Focus.Source

Lightning GT

Lightning strikes! Here’s the first picture of how the new British-built electric supercar, the Lightning GT, will shape up. And there’s nothing shocking about the two-door’s swoopy silhouette. It’s based on an existing petrol machine, although the design has been updated to reflect the modern credentials.

Bonnet and side vents hint at impressive performance – its combination of batteries and motors will deliver the equivalent of 700bhp. The wide-mouthed grille, integrated foglights and swept-back headlights are also entirely new.

When the first models arrive late this year, the Lightning GT will take on the Lotus-built Tesla roadster. It’s likely to cost more than £100,000, and deposits of £15,000 are being taken now.Source

Hybrid drop top

German roof specialist creates 'hard' soft top for convertibles.

It’s a cabrio, but not as we know it! Drop-top specialist Webasto has lifted the lid on its latest roofless concept: the LigHT (Light Hybrid Top).
The German firm – which made the sliding soft-top on the original Mini – claims to have created a ‘new category of roof’ by combining the best bits from a retractable hard-top with the flexibility of a more traditional fabric hood.
The roof on this concept (right) weighs only 14kg – made possible by combining polyurethane with a paper honeycomb structure to create a rigid but lightweight material.And the innovations don’t stop there. When the roof is folded, it lies flat on the rear deck of the car, sitting flush with the surrounding surfaces. This sidesteps one of the major drawbacks for convertibles – it doesn’t take up any boot space when retracted. Webasto says the LigHT concept offers a glimpse into the future, so expect car manufacturers to adopt elements of it soon.Source

Meredes M-Class

A sharp new look is set to make the Mercedes’ M-Class a big crowd puller in the Big Apple.The majority of the changes made are to the German model’s styling. At the front, the SUV gets a redesigned bumper and new headlamps to give it a more distinctive shape. A new bumper has also been added at the rear along with new look tail lights.Inside, safety features have been substantially upgraded with the addition of Mercedes’ latest PRE-SAFE and NECK-PRO technology.However, if you want to make the biggest statement in an M-Class, the mighty new look ML 63 AMG is the perfect model for you. Now with an even more extreme appearance thanks to its lower front and rear bumpers and extensive AMG bodykit it’s a muscle-bound Porsche Cayenne chaser.We will get our first chance to see the revised 4x4 in the metal at the New York Motor Show next week.Source

Easiest to use SeatBelt

Keeping youngsters safe in the car is every parent’s top priority. But when they have grown to a certain height and need to use an adult seatbelt which doesn’t quite fit, you could have problems. The Autosafe Seat Belt Height Adjuster is a clever invention that makes the restraints more comfortable – and, crucially, safer – for chil­dren to use. It can be difficult to get them to wear a standard belt properly, as they are likely to tuck it under an arm to stop it rubbing their neck – but this positioning can be lethal in a crash. Autosafe’s solution is a simple strap that wraps around the back of your rear seats and adds a retaining clip for the belt which positions it to suit a child. The add-on is easy to fit and crash tests proved it to be far safer than when children use only a normal seatbelt. If you think you’ve seen the pro­duct before, chances are you have! Inventor Peter Sesay won backing for it on TV show Dragon’s Den. Investors Duncan Bannatyne and Peter Jones handed over their cash for a slice of the firm. The adjuster is available online and from Halfords, Argos, Smyths Toys and Tesco Direct.Source