Austin Healey/morris Minor 948 Motor on 2040-parts.com

Vauxhall Astra (2009): first interior photos

By Ben Pulman First Official Pictures 18 June 2009 15:15 Vauxhall has released the first interior pictures of the new sixth-generation Astra, showing that the inside of the five-door hatch has been heavily influenced by the bigger Insignia's. The architecture broadly follows that of the Insignia, with (at least in top-spec models) a high-set sat-nav system, sitting above the audio and air-con controls and flanked by the central air vents. The air vents themselves are more angular than the items you'll find in the Insignia, and the dash itself also appears more upright.

Renault revives Gordini hot hatch brand

Renault is to revive the Gordini name, using it on range-topping versions of its Renaultsport Twingo, Clio and Megane hot hatches. The first new-generation Gordini will be based on the Renaultsport Twingo 133, and be unveiled on 25 November 2009 at Renault's premier showroom on the Champs Elysees. The new car will be called the Twingo Gordini RS, and then a Clio Gordini RS will follow in spring 2010.

McLaren F1 driver finds himself in hot seat

The McLaren F1 is one hot supercar--literally, in the case of one of the 106 built. A McLaren was being driven in Santa Rosa, Calif., on Monday afternoon when the engine compartment caught fire. The car's owner, identified by the Santa Rosa Press Democrat as Irv Kessler, was driving.