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Shocking bald tyre sparks safety warning

A TYRE that was completely bald after being taken off a high-performance BMW has sparked warnings from tyre safety charity TyreSafe. The shocking pictures of the incredibly dangerous tyre, whose owner is lucky to be alive, show the extent of the lengths to which some people are pushing the limits of safety. As it is, the tyre would be almost completely ineffective in wet or damp conditions, and how the driver had avoided an accident is a mystery.

NHTSA unveils new safety ratings; BMW and Hyundai first to get five stars

The 2011 BMW 5-series and the Hyundai Sonata were the first two cars to achieve five-star ratings under NHTSA's revised safety ratings announced on Tuesday. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will rate a total of 24 cars, 20 SUVs, nine pickups and two vans for the 2011 model year. The federal agency has significantly modified its rating process and will now grade side-pole testing and crash-prevention technologies such as lane-departure warning and electronic stability control.

‘Imported from Detroit’ 300C goes AWD

The Chrysler 300C John Varvatos Limited Edition is returning for 2014. For the first time, it will be offered with all-wheel drive with an active transfer case and front-axle disconnect for better fuel economy. Fashion icon Varvatos put his stamp of approval on the special edition slab-sided sedan.