Stylish Mini Roadster Concept Wows The Crowds At Annual Design-Fest

MINI, the car maker more famous for its compact hatchbacks and growing range of family-orientated models, has surprised audiences at the traditional Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este design gathering with a new roadster concept. Called the Mini Superleggera Vision, its name is a nod to Touring Superleggera, the tradition-steeped design and coachbuilding house based in Milan. Although a one-off, the car not only demonstrates the good work of one of Italy’s most renowned coachbuilders but, according to industry observers, could also hint at a possible future new model in the Mini line-up.

Saturn has interested buyers, GM says

Saturn is attracting interest from a "few" parties that might want to acquire the brand, a General Motors spokesman said Thursday. GM has hired Steve Girsky, formerly senior auto analyst for Morgan Stanley, to help advise on any possible Saturn deals. Saturn spokesman Steve Janisse said, "There is interest from investors in doing a spinoff, and there are other entities interested in just buying it." He said he does not know whether the interested parties are other automakers.

Renault Zoe sets new electric car record for distance travelled

The Renault Zoe EV has set a new world record for distance travelled in an electric car in 24 hours – 1005 miles. It seems Renault are determined to prove that an electric car – in this case the Renault Zoe EV – can travel sensible distances in a sensible period of time. So they set out to run a pair of production spec Renault Zoes round the Aubevoye speed ring in Normandy for a full twenty four hours with the aim of breaking the record for distance travelled in an electric car in that time (yes, there’s a world record for everything these days).