Volkswagen Jetta Speedometer Cluster; (cluster), Vin M (8th Digit), 2.0l, Mph, on 2040-parts.com

Latest generation of Mini unveiled

CAR GIANT BMW has finally taken the wraps off the eagerly-awaited new Mini. The latest reincarnation of the popular car which first took to the road in 1959 shows a Mini that is quieter, longer, wider and taller than its predecessor. Shown off at BMW's plant at Cowley in Oxford where it will be made, the new Mini will start at £15,300 and will be available in the UK in spring 2014.

Ford Ka (2009): more photos and details

By Tim Pollard First Official Pictures 08 September 2008 17:40 Ford has issued more details and photographs of its Ka city car, the Blue Oval's twin of the cutesy Fiat 500. The new Ka will – for the first time – be available as a diesel in the shape of the 74bhp 1.3-litre TDCI model, which can muster a very sensible 67.2mpg on the combined cycle. But don't forget that few 'mini buyers pick diesel in the UK; an oil-burning city car's price premium appears larger and economy gains smaller when compared with bigger cars, making diesel babies like hens' teeth.

LX-rated love-in: Web forum members make their virtual passion real

The Dodge Charger, the Challenger and the Chrysler 300C share more than what Chrysler calls its LX platform. They also share an enthusiastic owner base at the www.lxforums.com Web site, where for the last six years more than 33,000 enthusiastic owners have met virtually to share information, photos and love for their cars. Event founder and 2005 300C owner John Fortuno calls it a "modern-day version of the car club." Five years ago he decided to "bring the virtual to reality" by staging a Spring Festival car show in Southern California where members could meet in person.