UK
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The BBC's Top Gear is perhaps the most well-recognized and widely-watched motoring program on earth, and the series' dependence on a hired gun that plies the world's best supercars at the show's test track is equally well-known. That driver's identity has been a closely guarded secret of the show, however - until this week. Previously we reported that the secretive 'tame racing driver' that dresses in a white racing suit and helmet for the program was racing driver and Bristol, UK, resident Ben Collins. However, in the latest twist, it has been revealed that Collins may not in fact be the...
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Rolls Royce set sales records in 2008 despite economic downturn
The automotive industry's story in 2008 has become a familiar one: high hopes dashed on the rocks of a stormy economy. But not all brands and carmakers fared poorly despite the general malaise - including some, like Rolls Royce, that actually set new records. Total sales for Rolls Royce cars were...
Nelson Ireson -
BMW's new 116d tops 53mpg, rivals hybrids
The 1-series has been a popular staple among premium small-car buyers in Europe for some time, but it has only hit the U.S. recently. The fun-to-drive and attractive compact has just gained a new sibling in the form of the 116d, powered by an efficient four-cylinder diesel. Unfortunately it's only...
Nelson Ireson -
Tata Motors cash infusion for Jaguar-Land Rover could reach $1B
When the automotive subsidiary of Indian mega-conglomerate Tata Motors took over Jaguar-Land Rover earlier this year, many feared for the brand's future. Since then, Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata has taken great pains to reassure fans of the two carmakers that all would be well. Yesterday it was...
Nelson Ireson -
London mayor considering end to congestion charge
Boris Johnson ran for London's mayoral office partly on a platform of stanching the spread of his predecessor's rampant congestion charging. Now Johnson has said he'll 'brood' on the subject of ending the congestion charge altogether. Earlier this year Johnson followed through on his campaign...
Nelson Ireson -
Nissan upgrades European GT-R along 'Series II' lines
Recent reports about the demise of launch control in Nissan's GT-R aside, the cars sold in the UK and Europe next year will be getting a range of upgrades as well. Those upgrades have now been confirmed for Europe, including a 5hp (3kW) bump in power to 478hp (356kW) and stickier Dunlop tires, like...
Kenneth Hall