2008

With plans for similar emissions-based taxation schemes like London’s congestion charge as well as tough new low CO2 emissions regulations planned for Europe from 2012 onwards, carmakers are focused on cleaning up tailpipe emissions as well as offering more models with lower CO2 levels than...

Volvo has revealed the latest addition to its sporty R-Design line-up with the introduction of the all-new V70 R-Design wagon. Set to go on sale in Europe in August, the regular V70 estate has been spruced up with a specially tuned lowered sports chassis and a distinctive bodykit. The sports...

Smart has set out to quash the perception that its diminutive ForTwo runabout is unsafe by launching a new advertising campaign in the UK where the car is hit with a one-ton wrecking ball. Marketers hope the new ads will change the perception of new car buyers in regards to the ForTwo’s...

If GM has any hope of regaining its title of world’s biggest carmaker from Toyota its vehicles must not only sell well but they should also regain market share lost to rivals. Until recently, consumers rarely cross-shopped between GM and Toyota but as the quality and reliability of GM...

Earlier this month the NHTSA revealed concerns about the safety of the new Smart ForTwo minicar after conducting a number of safety tests on it. The results showed that the ForTwo only had marginal passenger safety, and this was if the car was to be hit by a similar size vehicle – a near...

As premium brands continue to diversify and expand into new segments one bodystyle that appears to be gaining popularity among the German carmakers is the two-door luxury estate – more commonly referred to as the ‘Shooting Brake’. Audi today revealed its own Sportback version of...

The Maserati Quattroporte defined the modern comeback of Maserati and has been praised for its looks and design the world over. Now, Italian coachbuilder Carrozeria Touring Superleggera is introducing a station-wagon version of the Quattroporte, dubbed the Maserati Quattroporte Bellagio Fastback...

Premier4509 has added the Lamborghini Gallardo to its lineup of aero kits for exotic vehicles, where it joins the previous widebody kit for the Bentley Continental GT and Murcielago aero kits. The latest release from the Japanese tuner features aerodynamic enhancements for the front bumper, side...

James Bond has had his share of underwater cars, and recently Rinspeed's sQuba brought one of those movie creations to life. Excellent on-screen as a means of escape or access to a villain's lair, it turns out a car is somewhat less effective in real life when used as an impromptu life raft...

The speed of growth in the Chinese auto market is difficult to comprehend because the scale of it is beyond anything known in Europe or North America, especially coupled with China's record economic growth. To capitalize on the growing automobile craze in China, Daimler is sending its smart fortwo...

The Mercedes-Benz SL63 may have been picked as the official safety car for F1 but its little brother, the new C63 AMG, was chosen for the role in Europe’s Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) series. The new car will start its role as the official safety car in the second DTM race of the season...

Ever since a string of fatal rollovers during the 1990s, the Ford Explorer SUV has had a stigma of being dangerous despite the reason behind the accidents – poorly designed Firestone tires – being resolved. A California judge has now approved the settlement for a class-action case that...

In Europe the Ford Focus is an affordable, well-engineered and stylish small car available in hatch, sedan, wagon and convertible bodystyles. It also features latest technologies such as a Powershift dual-clutch transmission, flex-fuel engines, a folding hard top roof (cabrio models only), and a...

One of the biggest collections of past and present Ferraris is set to be sold off next month at a special event at the Maranello factory dubbed the ‘Ferrari: Leggenda e Passione’ auction. Ferrari fans will have the opportunity to buy some of the marque’s rarest and oldest cars...

Hamann has released its latest performance and styling kit for the E92 BMW M3 Coupe, boosting performance of the high-rev V8 engine as well as adding a lift-reducing bodykit and brake package. The Laupheim-based tuner has been modifying BMW’s since 1986 both for motorsport use and personal...

BMW-specialist AC Schnitzer has released its latest aero kit for the facelifted 6-series coupe and cabrio and has added a host of performance upgrades as well. Like its predecessor, the new front skirt of the ACS6 mirrors the famous kidney design of the grille but gets a more aggressive look with...

Hyundai is preparing for the launch of its all new Genesis coupe but before it arrives officials have given the car it will replace, the Tiburon Coupe, one last hurrah with the unveiling of the new TSIII limited edition model. On sale in the UK only, the Tiburon TSIII has offers a number of styling...

Updated: New images The gorgeous Ferrari 599 is probably the last car in need of any modifications but German tuner Mansory has developed a range of carbon-fiber accessories and performance upgrades designed specifically for the stunning GT. The tuner has unveiled the latest package for the 599 at...

Incredible demand has created a waiting list for buyers trying to get their hands on a Smart ForTwo in its first year of official U.S. sales. Strong fuel efficiency, easy urban maneuverability and a very positive image have all contributed to the sales success, but now that the NHTSA's first round...

While the rest of the world can opt for fuel-efficient petrol and diesel four-cylinder versions of the C-Class, the entry-level model in the U.S. sports a V6 powerplant. Given the current concerns about climate change and the increasing cost of fuel, officials at Mercedes-Benz are now considering...