Mercedes Benz W164 X164 R251 Switch Center Control Block Button Shz A2518702010 on 2040-parts.com

Bahrain Grand Prix: Rosberg takes pole for Mercedes

So much for the 2013 Mercedes being uncompetitive. Nico Rosberg put in a strong performance in Bahrain in qualifying for tomorrow’s F1 race, beating Sebastian Vettel in to second place and Fernando Alonso in to third. But whether this was a qualifying ‘special’ from Mercedes we won’t really know until tomorrow.

Volkswagen Golf GTE Plug-in Hybrid UK debut

The VW Golf GTE (pictured) gets its UK debut at the NEX next week The Volkswagen Golf GTE – which VW see as a plug-in hybrid Golf GTI – was revealed in February ahead of its debut at the Geneva Motor Show last month and is now heading for the Gadget Show Live at the NEC next week for its UK debut. With a 1.4 litre TSI petrol turbo producing 148bhp and a 101 bhp electric motor, the Golf GTE promises decent performance – 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds – daft official economy figures of 188 mpg and the ability to run on electric power only for up to 31 miles. It’s an appealing combination for a Golf that can offer city running benefits with a turn of decent performance when the mood takes, although at a price likely to be north of £30k it’s not exactly a budget buy.

Ford Focus RS 500 teased +video

The Ford Focus RS 500 getting teased on Ford micro-site One of the best cars Ford has produced – ever – is the Focus RS. Yes, it’s OTT and designed for the Playstation generation rather than people past the first flush of youth, but it brings a huge grin to my face every time I drive one. The Focus RS review we did last year was a blast – especially the opportunity to compare the Focus RS to the Escort Mexico Mk I.