Honda has developed a plant-based fabric for use as a material for car interiors. The 'Bio-fabric' is designed to offset all CO2 emissions produced during the disposal stage of the car, through the CO2 absorption that occurs during the growth stage of the plants used as the raw materials. In the past, plant-based fabric has not been used commercially for car interiors due to concerns about limited durability and aesthetic issues. However, the new bio-fabric developed by Honda is said to be a soft and smooth material appropriate for the surface of car interiors, with high durability and resistant to colour fading.Full Article

Porsche has announced the October, UK launch of the new 911 GT3 RS. According to Porsche, the GT3 RS is distinguished by its performance capability and a driving experience that is said to be similar to that of a racing car. But while suited for use on the track, the car also meets all requirements for road-legal sports cars. The reference "RS" has been seen on such models as the Carrera RS 2.7 of 1972 and the 1991, Type 964 911 RS and, in common with its predecessors, the new 911 GT3 RS provides an homologation model for use in a range of racing series. Full Article

The all-new Kia Carens compact MPV made its world premiere at the Madrid Motor Show yesterday and will go on sale across Europe later this summer. The all-new New Carens will be marketed in Europe in two versions – with seven-seater and five-seater cabins – both featuring 'European-specific' frontal styling with unique twin-chrome-bar grille, lower centre air-intake and front bumper with inset air-intakes or fog lamps.Full Article

Following the launch of the Cayman S in autumn 2005, Porsche is introducing the Cayman, a new version of the mid-engined sports coupé that will go on sale in the UK in the summer. Based on the Boxster series, the two-seater is powered by a 2.7, six-cylinder 'boxer' engine that develops 245bhp (180 kW). It has a top speed of 160mph, and with manual transmission accelerates from 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds. Porsche says that the Cayman is proof that outstanding performance statistics do not necessarily mean high fuel consumption. According to European standards, it consumes on average only 30.4mpg (9.3 litres per 100 kms). Full Article

Toyota brings some good news for the UK's car manufacturing industry with the unveiling today of its new, British-built 2007 Avensis range at the Madrid Motor Show. The company tells us that the new Avensis has fresh styling inside and out, increasing its dynamic and premium quality appeal. For the UK market, it also benefits from two new engines from Toyota's latest generation of clean, efficient and refined D-4D common rail diesel units. They are the 175hp D-4D 180, which exclusively powers a new flagship Avensis T180 model, and the D-4D 130, a more powerful replacement for the previous 2.0-litre D-4D engine, with additional gains in fuel consumption and lower exhaust emissions. The new Avensis also said to deliver improved handling and ride, thanks to detail revisions in the steering and suspension systems. The full range of saloon, hatchback and Tourer models will go on sale in the UK on 1 July. Pricing and specifications will be announced nearer that date. Full Article

Kia's all-new Magentis completes the total regeneration of the Korean company's passenger car range in less than two years. The oldest model on the fleet is now the Picanto, introduced in July 2004. And with all-new versions of the Sedona and Carens MPVs and a refreshed Sorento SUV also scheduled to arrive in 2006, Kia says it has one of the most modern product portfolios currently on offer from any manufacturer. Kia also says that the new Magentis saloon with diesel power, modern and dynamic styling, European-standard ride and handling and top-level safety, is more capable than ever of meeting the expectations of both private and fleet users. Full Article

The Tudor Red 1985 Bentley Continental Convertible once owned by Sir Elton John is to be auctioned by H&H Classic Auctions at Syon Park, London, May 24. This suitably flamboyant motorcar famously starred in the video for Elton's hit song Nikita. The body was specially crafted by premier coachbuilder, Mulliner Park Ward of Harlesden and the car's long list of special fitments included: colour-coded radiator veins, Parchment trim piped in red, extra speakers and a 10-disc, boot mounted CD player. H&H sold the car to its current owner in 2002. Managing Director and Chief Auctioneer Simon Hope said, "This is a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of well-documented pop history, though the Bentley will be equally appealing to any lover of these desirable automobiles." Full Article

Pump-injector fuel injection and piezo technology combine for the first time in the new 170PS 2.0 TDI engine for the Audi A3 and A4. Pump-injector fuel injection and piezo technology combine for the first time in the new 170PS 2.0 TDI engine for A3 and A4. The new four-cylinder, 2.0-litre TDI unit is the first in the Audi range to combine 'pumpe-duse' or 'pump jet' direct diesel injection with the piezo crystal injector technology from the 2.7-litre V6, 3.0-litre V6 and 4.2-litre V8 TDI engines. It is said to deliver power, torque and acceleration to rival a six-cylinder TDI but with four-cylinder fuel economy. Full Article

SEAT will pull the covers off its hottest new Leon at next week's Madrid Motor Show (25th May), with the world debut of the new FR. The new FR sees the Leon step up a gear in the visual department with a host of sporty design touches. The front air intake design with honeycomb grille is very distinct from that found on other Leons, and takes its inspiration from the Leon Touring Cars of both the BTCC and WTCC. At the rear a black mock-diffuser is also race-track inspired, while silver-painted door mirrors and 17-inch alloy wheels (with 18-inch versions available as an option) complete the look. The distinctive red and black 'FR' badge appears, not only the rear of the car, but also extensively throughout the sporty interior - on the specially designed leather-covered steering wheel, silver gearknob, within the rev counter and is embroidered on to the backrests of the sports seats. Full Article

Vauxhall has released the first official pictures of its new SUV, the Antara, which will debut at the Paris motor show in September. Fractionally larger than an Astra estate, the five-door Antara will feature an on-demand four-wheel drives system linked to an electronic stability programme and a form of hill-descent control. The first cars to arrive in the UK will be powered by an all-new 2.0-litre common-rail turbodiesel producing 150PS. Both manual and automatic gearboxes will be available. The UK launch date and prices will be announced nearer the official show debut in September.Full Article

Vauxhall is showing a collection of its classic models to the public for one day only. To coincide with the Luton Festival of Transport and over 100 years of being based in the town, Vauxhall is holding its annual open day at its Heritage Centre in Park Street, Luton, on Sunday 11 June 2006, where visitors can view over 50 classic Vauxhall models completely free of charge. From the very first 1903 Vauxhall through to 'modern' classics such as the Lotus Carlton, the Heritage Collection contains over a century's worth of classic Vauxhall models, including family favourites from yesteryear such as the PA Cresta, Viva and every generation of Cavalier. In addition to the collection of classics, visitors will get an opportunity to see some of Vauxhall's latest models up close, including the new Astra TwinTop and the hot new VXR versions of the Zafira, Meriva and Vectra. Full Article

Six months after the launch of the New Clio, the Clio Renaultsport 197 is now available to order prior to its launch day of 18th July – the opening day of the British Motor Show. Ordering opens today exclusively for registered members of the www.renaultsport.co.uk community before anyone else as a special acknowledgement to their loyalty and devotion to the Renaultsport brand. Ordering officially opens to everyone on 30th May. Priced at £15,995, the Clio Renaultsport 197 features a 2.0-litre engine producing 197hp at 7,250rpm and 215 Nm of torque at 5,550, a new six-speed gearbox, resulting in 0-62mph in just 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 134mph. Full Article

Modern technologies and historical styling are said to combine in the new BMW Concept Coupe Mille Miglia. Modern technologies and historical styling are said to combine in the new BMW Concept Coupe Mille Miglia. With hints of today's BMW Z4 Coupe and one of BMW's most famous racing cars, the BMW 328, the BMW Concept Coupe Mille Miglia 2006 was unveiled in Brescia this week as this year's Mille Miglia entrants were scrutineered ahead of the event. The car benefits from an extremely lightweight chassis, which incorporates an aluminium shell 'stretched' over a lattice frame. The body is also constructed from lightweight materials, with carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) clothing the entire vehicle. Full Article

Nigel Mansell has confirmed that he will make his debut appearance at this year''s Goodwood Festival of Speed. Said Nigel: "I am delighted to be invited to Goodwood, as I have heard many good things about the event. I am really looking forward to driving some of my old cars again, and being able to put on a show for the British fans who have always supported me so brilliantly." The former Grand Prix and Indycar Champion – and the only man to win these titles in consecutive years – is expected to drive several of the F1 cars from his illustrious career, including a JPS-liveried Lotus 91 from his early career, (the last Colin Chapman GP-winning car), plus one of his famous Williams GP cars.Full Article

One day, all MPVs will be like this, but in the meantime the Mercedes-Benz R-Class creates a genre all of its own. I would have been no good in the resistance, especially if I'd been asked to go into hiding. I don't seem to have the knack. I am writing this from a place of concealment but all the driver needs to do is open the shed door, and 'Allo, 'Allo, I'm bubbled. Driver? Yes: any moment now I am expecting someone to call and collect the Mercedes-Benz R Class, but I am hoping to elude him so that he will have to call another day. Full Article

Aston Martin has unveiled the new DBS which will be driven by James Bond, in the next 007 film, Casino Royale. In true Bond style, specific details of the new DBS remain top secret, although Aston Martin Design Director, Marek Reichman, said: "This car encapsulates a link between our elegant DB9 road car and the powerful DBR9 race car. While hinting at our future design direction, the DBS also has very clear links with our heritage – it is instantly recognisable as an Aston Martin." Full Article

This weekend (5, 6, 7 May) the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli starts the European Championship at Silverstone. Featuring 50 of the all-new Ferrari F430 Challenge racing cars it promises to be an action-packed weekend as the Ferrari drivers have the first chance to see how the new car will match their driving style in a tough competitive environment with drivers from across the world. The Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli is arguably the world's most exclusive single-make racing series and was specifically for Ferrari owners who want to race. Full Article

Peugeot has announced prices for the new 207, starting from £8995 for the 3-door 1.4 8v Petrol Urban model and rising to £15345.00 for the 5-door GT HDi 110. The 207 will be available at launch as either a three or five door hatchback, but will be joined later by other body styles as the range evolves. A range of five trim levels – Urban, S, Sport, SE and GT – will be available powered by one of six engine options, all fitted with a five speed manual gearbox. The 207 also has two distinctive looks, the "Classic" look available on the Urban, S and SE models and the "Sport" look available on the Sport and GT. Full Article

Today marks the official launch date of the Volkswagen Fox, supported by a free servicing offer. From launch until 30 September 2006, Volkswagen Finance is offering all retail customers who purchase a Fox with a Solutions finance package free servicing for three years or 30,000 miles (whichever comes sooner). The free servicing package comprises lubrication service at 10,000 miles or 12 months; inspection service at 20,000 miles or 24 months; and a lubrication service at 30,000 miles or 36 months.Full Article

The new E-Class Mercedes Benz is said to be the first car in the world to offer adaptive headlamps. Developed by the lighting specialists at Hella, its new Intelligent Light System adaptive headlamps adjust to different driving and weather situations. Based on Bi-Xenon headlamps, the new system offers five different lighting functions – country, motorway, active-bend lighting, fog and cornering. The command to provide the differing light distributions is sent by the intelligent control electronics to a small electric motor.Full Article

Nissan has announced that its Infiniti luxury brand will launch across the European market during 2008. Infiniti will be distributed in Europe through a dedicated sales and service network that will start operations during 2008. Full details of the final product range, ownership experience and business structure will be disclosed closer to launch. "This is the ideal time for Infiniti to launch in Europe," said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Nissan Europe. "This timing allows us to bring the next generation of Infiniti models, including a fully competitive line-up of petrol and diesel engines, specifically designed for the demanding needs of our European premium customers," Carolin added.Full Article

While most of the Northern Hemisphere is emerging from winter, rural Arjeplog, Sweden, remains veiled in ice and snow. Its frosty climate, however, generates piles of wealth by drawing car companies who perform cold-weather testing there. Arjeplog is like Death Valley, California, which attracts car companies for the same—if opposite—reason (“Two Days in the Valley,” Sept. 6, 1999). Arjeplog, in pristine Lapland, is Sweden’s fourth- largest municipality in terms of area (the size of Belgium). Its population of around 3300 grows by more than 1000 from autumn through spring due to testing crews. Arjeplog’s reputation and wealth started coincidentally. In winter 1973 three pilots cleared a stretch of snow on Lake Hornavan to make a runway. Full Article

An exclusive look into the world of Citroen has arrived at the Beaulieu National Motor Museum. Officially opened by Lord Montagu on 27 April, the exhibition includes an extensive collection of Citroen cars through almost 90 years of the marque. The exhibition displays an array of the most famous Citroen cars including the Traction Avant, 2CV, and DS19. Director of Communications, Citroen UK, Marc Raven said: "With our reputation for innovation this exhibition gives us the opportunity to showcase to over 350,000 visitors exactly what Citroen can offer. Citroen stands for style, innovation and technology, but linked to these core values are also safety and value for money." Full Article

Honda's British-built Civic is the most reliable small family car on the road according to Warranty Direct's latest Reliability Index. Based on the cost of repairs versus the number of garage visits, the Honda Civic (2001 onwards) achieved an Index rating of 16.75, a long way ahead of second-placed car, the Rover 45, which scored 28.63. Just behind, in third place, is the Citroen Xsara with a score of 28,87. Warranty Direct spokesman, Duncan McClure Fisher said Honda's Civic was 'historically and repeatedly' the most reliable small family car. Full Article

Lexus has introduced a new diesel model to its IS range of sports saloon cars. The 220d Sport uses the same 175bhp, four-cylinder diesel unit as the regular IS 220d, but is said to deliver '…an even more rewarding driving experience'. The principle factor in achieving this is a change in the differential gear ratio in the rear axle from 2.474 to 3.200. This delivers flexible performance, enabling the driver to fully exploit the engine's torque (400Nm from 2,000rpm) through the car's new six-speed manual transmission. Full Article

Pininfarina and Mitsubishi have begun joint production of the Colt CZC coupe-cabriolet. A real pan-European car, the CZC body will be produced at Mitsubishi's NedCar plant in Holland then shipped to Pininfarina in Italy who will assemble the cars using components supplied by various manufacturers from Europe and Japan. After assembly, the car will pass to Webasto who manufacture the folding roof in a plant contained within the Pininfarina factory. Full Article

A tiny, three-wheeled car that could help solve city congestion has been demonstrated at the University of Bath. The prototype Clever (Compact Low Emission Vehicle for Urban Transport) car is one metre wide and less polluting than normal vehicles. It has a top speed of 100 km/h (60mph) and uses a novel tilting chassis to make it safe and manoeuvrable. The traffic-busting two-seater is the result of a 40-month project by researchers in nine European countries. The three-year, £1.5m EU-funded research project aimed to produce a totally different class of private motor vehicle specifically designed for the urban environment. "The only solutions at the moment are motorbikes or cars" said Ben Drew, a research officer at the University of Bath, one of the institutions involved in the project. Full Article

Nissan has does itself a disservice. The strapline it has chosen to introduce the new Micra C+C is 'Open for Business', when in fact 'Open all Hours' would be more apposite. Although what the famous purveyor of Arkwright's T-T-Treacle T-Toffee would make of Coupe Convertible we can only surmise. Why 'Open all Hours'? Because even with the Micra's roof closed it's still a case of the sky's the limit as far as the overhead view is concerned. The so-called 'C-VIEW' panoramic glass roof is like an all-over skylight that lets the light in and keeps the weather out. Moreover, the C-VIEW roof is part of a concept that opens up more than just the view: from Nissan's perspective, the C+C opens up a whole new market sector, and one that is in some respects is as far removed from the Micra's traditional stomp ground as Peterborough United are from the UEFA Cup.Full Article

Citroen has announced the introduction of the Cote d'Azur, a special edition of its C3 Pluriel. According to the company, the C3 Pluriel Cote d'Azur is styled to appeal to female drivers who currently make up 80 per cent of all Pluriel owners. The Cote d'Azur's interior trim includes multi-coloured vertical stripes on the upper parts of the seats, a design that is unique to this model. Based on the 1.4i model, this special edition is priced at £11,245, including the Company's current £1,500 cashback offer. Metallic paint colours, including the new Poseidon Blue, are available at no extra cost.Full Article

JCB has unveiled the vehicle with which it hopes to break the world land speed record. The JCB DIESELMAX will attempt the speed record for a diesel-powered automobile in August 2006 at the Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah. Powered by a pair of advanced 4-cylinder, 5-litre JCB444-LSR diesels, developed with the support of Ricardo, the JCB DIESELMAX is said to boast the world's highest specific power diesel engines used in any automobile application. Ricardo applied its state-of-the-art powertrain computer aided engineering software to the task of assisting JCB in the development of the JCB444-LSR engines which deliver peak power of 750hp and torque of 1500Nm. Full Article

Three years after its launch, a new, enhanced 2007 model Volvo XC90 will make its UK debut at the British International Motor Show in July, when it is also expected to arrive in Volvo showrooms. Volvo has confirmed that the V8, previously only available in other countries (with LHD), will now be one of the new, premium range of engines available in the new Volvo XC90 in the UK (with RHD) together with Volvo's new 3.2-litre engine recently launched in the all-new Volvo S80 saloon. Full Article

Saab Great Britain reports a best-ever result in the Motability market with a sales growth of 87 per cent in the last six months. Saab's Motability sales in March hit a new record with 103 cars sold, led by the Saab 9-3 Convertible and the 9-3 SportWagon. In the same month, Saab GB achieved its biggest registration month ever in its 44-year history, taking it to the top of Saab's global sales charts for the month. "This is an outstanding performance for Saab in the Motability market, led by increased demand for the new 9-3 SportWagon and the Convertible, and shows the widespread appeal the range now has," said Hayley Ingram, Motability sales and marketing manager for Vauxhall, Saab and Chevrolet.Full Article

Despite a global slowdown in new car sales, Skoda has once again outperformed the market. A total of 52,852 Skodas were sold world-wide in March – a car every minute – which represents a 17 per cent increase on the same period in 2005. All models in the Skoda range recorded higher sales in the first three months of 2006 than in 2005 with the new Octavia leading the way. The Octavia enjoyed a 31.7 per cent increase in sales, while the Fabia and Superb also recorded increases of 7.2 per cent and 14.7 per cent respectively. Full Article

Following the success of its TDI and FSI engines, Volkswagen is introducing TSI petrol technology. While, FSI uses direct injection to improve combustion efficiency and reduce fuel consumption and emissions, TSI uses – for the first time ever – an FSI engine, which is then dual-charged through a combination of an engine driven supercharger and an exhaust gas turbocharger arranged in series. The driving characteristics of the new TSI engine are said to be improved over those of the current FSI unit. Full Article

British sportscar maker, Caterham, has revealed details of its latest racing-bred road car, the Superlight R400. This new model uses the Seven's classic formula of motorsport technology and minimalism to deliver a car weighing just 525kg, said to be capable of sprinting from 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds. The heart of the Seven is the new Cosworth-developed 2.0-litre powerplant mated, for the first time, to the de Dion chassis. This engine delivers 210bhp at 7600rpm (which is equivalent to a 400bhp per tonne) and 150lbft of torque at 6300 rpm. Full Article

The decision to close Peugeot's factory in Ryton next year has dealt yet another blow to Britain's car industry. But the resulting job losses - including 2,300 Peugeot workers and up to three times that in the West Midlands's supply industry - had been widely expected. "In a way, it is surprising it has lasted so long," observes Jay Nagley, automotive analyst with the Spyder Automotive consultancy. "There was no justification for the UK factory." Two months ago, the UK government was involved in talks aimed at securing the plant's future, though it seems few, if any, expected the world's sixth-largest automotive group, PSA Peugeot Citroen, to go on making cars at the Ryton plant once the Peugeot 206 model reached the end of its life. Full Article

The all-new LS 600h luxury saloon is said by Lexus to mark another major advance in the development of its hybrid power model range. The LS 600h is the world's first vehicle to feature a full hybrid V8 powertrain, combining a 5.0-litre petrol engine and two high-output electric motors. According to the company, the LS 600h has been designed and engineered to achieve '…exceptional levels of performance, style and safety.' The Lexus Hybrid Drive system in the LS 600h is a further development of the technology already used in the RX 400h and GS 450h. It combines an all-new 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine with large, high-output motors and a new large capacity battery pack. Full Article