New British sports car brand on the horizon

A REAL automotive rarity has occurred with the announcement that a new low-volume British sports car brand will reveal an initial concept car in April. David Brown Automotive will be set up along the same lines as Morgan, with the aim of recapturing the past glory of British sports cars but using modern materials, reliable mechanicals and up-to-date luxuries. Such ventures have been tried before, with very mixed results, but owner and financial backer David Brown is confident that the first model, codenamed ‘Project Judi’, will succeed.

Maserati at the Paris motor show 2008

By Ben Barry Motor Shows 03 October 2008 09:17 Visitors to the Maserati stand at Paris were treated to Modena’s familiar but still nonetheless alluring two-car range with a trio of Quattroportes and a pair of Granturismos, the newest versions being the Granturismo S and the Quattroporte S. The Granturismo S makes this four-seat GT an altogether more hardcore proposition. A 4.7-litre V8 replaces the standard car’s 4.2; the ZF torque converter auto makes way for a six-speed automated manual shared with the Ferrari Scuderia; plus there’s a subtle aero kit, bigger brakes along with interior embellishments.

Smoking in cars containing children to be banned

SMOKING IN CARS in the presence of children is to be outlawed in England by the end of the year, Downing Street has signalled, after MPs voted overwhelmingly to make it a criminal offence. A No 10 source said Parliament had made its view clear and ministers are now looking at the practicalities of implementing the ban, with a view to getting it place before 2015. The Commons voted by 376 to 107 last night - a majority of 269 - to give the Health Secretary the power to impose a ban in England.