Blog on 2040Parts

Ford's legendary Mustang turns 50

THE ICONIC Ford Mustang has reached its 50th birthday and the largest gathering of racing models ever in the UK is being planned to mark the occasion. More than 25 race-prepared Mustangs are being assembled for the Silverstone Classic event on 25-27 July. Among the cars entered for the race there are several famous models from the cars early days in the 1960s, as well as many that are regularly raced today in historic competitions.

Mazda previews the next 2 with the Hazumi concept

Mazda's Hazumi concept looks like a ferocious little rodent, an aggressive lil' gumball of a mini car that's set to replace the Mazda2. Imagine the drooping snout of the Mazda3 (not a "Droopsnoot," mind you) on a car far shorter than that. Imagine the same character lines, the same upward kink over the rear wheel, the same haunches as the 3 and the 6.

Peugeot 308 is European Car of the Year: Geneva Motor Show

Peugeot 308 is European Car of the Year The Geneva Motor Show also means the announcement of the European Car of the Year for 2014, and the gong for this year has gone to the new Peugeot 308. It took a jury of 58 journalists from 22 European countries to decide the new 308 offers such an appealing package it is a more impressive car than any of the seven finalists left in its wake. It’s a very mainstream choice from the jury, some would say a surprise too, and will no doubt please Peugeot to have their fourth COTY title after the 307 (2002), 405 (1988) and 504 (1969) were previous winners.

Koenigsegg's craziest supercar yet debuts at Geneva

Here's what you need to know about the Koenigsegg One:1. It weighs 1,360 kilograms; it produces 1,360 hp. One horsepower per kilogram, which is why mad scientist Christian Von Koenigsegg is absolutely justified in bragging about it: it's the world's first "mega car," he said.

Drivers' 'huge petrol tax burden'

BRITISH DRIVERS are still facing a huge petrol and diesel tax burden despite three years of fuel duty freezes, according to the RAC Foundation. The UK has the highest rate of diesel tax in Europe while only Sweden imposes a higher petrol tax duty than the UK, the foundation said. Its figures showed that tax accounts for 59% of the price of diesel in the UK, with Sweden (56%) second and Italy (55%) third.

Corvette ZR1 'Blue Devil' freed from sinkhole

Update: Video of the ZR1 removal added below. Workers at the National Corvette Museum have begun removing eight cars from the bottom of a sinkhole that appeared inside the museum's Skydome last month. The first car to make it back to ground level is the 2009 Corvette ZR1 prototype nicknamed "Blue Devil." Incredibly, the ZR1 reportedly cranked right up and even made it to the doorway of the Skydome under its own power.

Cyclists tackle round-the-world race

FOUR RIDERS have set off on what is described as the world's longest bicycle race. Three started from London and one from Bangkok in a bid to break the Guinness World Record for the fastest circumnavigation of the planet. The World Cycle Race launched from the prime meridian next to the Royal Observatory in Greenwich Park.

American hero Dave Kinney drags Avanti no. 2 back to life

Autoweek contributor, appraiser, valuation expert and rural quiz-bowl champ Dave Kinney has a thing for Studebaker Avantis. He claims to have owned around 100 of them, though we've heard that the real number is higher than that. One of those Avantis was the second one that Studebaker ever built.

Apple Carplay integrates iPhone in to cars: Geneva Motor Show

Apple CarPlay arrives to take over your car’s Infotainment Apple’s bid to take a major slice of the Automotive integration with Smartphones market moves on with the arrival of Apple CarPlay at the Geneva Motor Show this week It looks like Apple have stolen a march on Android with deep integration in to the Infotainment systems of a number of car makers – with more to come – as the lines start to be blurred between Smartphones and car systems. CarPlay lets drivers with the right phone – iPhone 5 or better – access messages, play music, use Apple Maps and make calls, all hands-free and using Siri commands. Functionality with the right make of car – starting with Ferrari, Mercedes and Volvo but reaching out in to Jaguar Land Rover, BMW, Hyundai Kia, Honda, PSA, Toyota, Ford and more before long – means you’ll be able to do much of what you can already do on your iPhone but do it through your car’s Infotainment interface with familiar commands and screen layouts.

[Updated] Apple CarPlay set for Geneva debut

Apple is set to launch its integrated in-car iOS CarPlay at this week's Geneva motor show, partnering with Volvo, Ferrari and Mercedes. For the first time CarPlay Apple's iOS will linked directly to the car's built-in screen, with mirrored functions simplified for use while driving. Many functions are controlled by Apple's Siri voice command softwarre although if the car is fitted with a touchscreen and/or other control interfaces these can also be used.These will control major functions such as music, phone calls, iMessages and the controversial Apple Maps for navigation.

Russian and American military vehicles in Ukrainian ex-president's collection

Last week the world got a glimpse of Ukrainian ex-president Viktor Yanukovych's surprisingly eclectic car collection, which included dozens of cars that have never been exhibited in any museum or classic car show outside the former USSR. The sprawling garage at the Mezhyhirya villa became public only last weekend, hours after Yanukovych's nighttime escape by helicopter to Russia. Hundreds of ordinary citizens and journalists from all around the world strode freely into the villa, finding an abundance of abandoned wealth, some of which was even tasteful.

Bugatti Veyron ‘Rembrandt Edition’ (2014) first official pictures

By Ollie Kew First Official Pictures 03 March 2014 19:00 Every time there’s an international motor show, Bugatti looks sheepish and scuffs its shoes when the teacher asks for its homework. ‘Not done it, miss’. While Koenigsegg pulls the wraps off a car with almost 150bhp more than the Veyron Vitesse, all Bugatti can muster is yet another spurious special edition.

Nissan Reverse Engineers The Humble Rear View Mirror

IF YOU struggle to reverse your car and fret about not being able to see the full picture, your next purchase might be a Nissan. Taking the humble rear view mirror to the next level, the Japanese car maker has unveiled a hi-tech alternative. In combination with a rear-facing camera, Nissan has devised a new LCD monitor to fit within the space of a regular rear view mirror.

Rembrandt honored with limited-edition Bugatti Veyron

Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn is widely recognized as one of the greatest painters and printmakers to have ever lived. No mean feat, to be sure, but why is Bugatti celebrating his life and work with the special-edition Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse that has just been unveiled at the Geneva motor show? Well, it turns out that the supercar maker hasn't suddenly developed a taste for old Dutch masters: the newest car in the six-part “Les L

Ford improves top design on its 2015 Mustang convertible

Ford revealed details on its forthcoming 2015 Mustang convertible, whose top features several highly welcome improvements over the outgoing model’s, making it quieter, more compact and easier to operate. Though Ford continues to call the cloth top a two-layer design, it now sports a 10-mm thick cushion between the twill covering and the headliner layer, serving as both insulation and sound deadening. Ford says with the top up, the cabin is almost as quiet as the coupe’s on the road.

Land Rover Raises Evoque’s Game

LAND ROVER is to launch a hot version of its popular Evoque. The Autobiography Dynamic variant will be powered by an uprated version of the firm’s 2.0-litre turbo petrol motor. In 281 horsepower trim, Land Rover claims this go-faster Evoque will hit 60mph from rest in 6.7 and go on to a top speed limited to 140mph.

Audi TT revs up for Geneva auto show

Audi has unwrapped its new TT at a media preview proceeding tomorrow’s Geneva motor show, revealing the new look, contemporary interior and updated mechanical package the German coupe carries into showrooms when North America sales get underway later this year. The third-generation TT has an all-new exterior design. The car is again a three-door liftback and has the same basic dimensions as its predecessor, but is subtly sleeker with more precise detailing and crisper lines.

Audi TTS (2014) first official pictures

By Damion Smy First Official Pictures 03 March 2014 19:00 This is the third-generation Audi TT that’s due in showrooms by the end of 2014. While it’s a more creased, hard-edged design, it still carries the crucial curves that set tongues wagging when the first TT rocked up in 1998. It’s not as convincing as the original, is it?

Top Gear Tonight: Porsche 918 Spyder, Golf GTI, BMW M135i, Cycling & Aaron Paul is SIARPC

Aaron Paul (pictured with The Stig) is tonight’s Top Gear Star ina Reasonably Priced Car We’re now close to the end of the run of normal episodes of Top Gear for series 21 with episode 5 tonight, with just a single episode to go plus the ‘Christmas Special’ before the series is over. But tonight we’ll get the second of the new crop of ultimate supercars being tested with Richard Hammond off to the Yas Marina circuit to play with the Porsche 918 Spyder. Will the Porsche 918 Spyder be more impressive and, more importantly, quicker than the incredible McLaren P1 as Hammond gets to grips with its 4.6 litre 600bhp V8 and 275bhp electric motors?

New Alfa Romeo Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde gets Alfa 4C engine

The new Alfa Giulietta & MiTo Cloverleaf Heading for Geneva next week will be a pair of updated range-toppers from Alfa Romeo – the Alfa Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde and MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde – with the Giulietta the more interesting of the two. The engine in the new Alfa 4C is based on the engine in the current Alfa Giulietta, but now Alfa has decided the old 1750 TB engine in the Giulietta should make way for its new, lighter sibling from the 4C so the Giulietta will come with the same 1750 Turbo Petrol developing 237bhp and good for a 6.6 seconds 0-62mph sprint. Other tweaks for the Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde include big tail pipes, 320mm Brembos, new bodykit, 18″ alloys, sports seats, leather and Alcantar trim, new instruments and a black roof.

Koenigsegg Agera One:1 is world’s first “megacar”

Even in a world recently introduced to the Ferrari LaFerrari  (sold out), McLaren P1 (sold out) and Porsche 918 Spyder (er… ) hypercars, boutique Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg has just made an extraordinary announcement. At the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, it will reveal the Agera One:1 – which Koenigsegg has dubbed the world’s first "megacar". Thing is, having looked at the spec, we believe it.

Brit-Based Supercar Maker Unveils Third New Model

THIRD time’s going to be the charm for McLaren, as the Woking-based firm has unveiled its third supercar ahead of a public debut at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show. Hot on the heels of the P1 hypercar, the new 650S slots between the firm’s flagship motor and already established 12C. With bold claims of race car-like performance while retaining the luxury and refinement of its premium supercar rivals, McLaren has revealed that the 650S can sprint to 124mph from rest – the industry standard 200kph – in a blistering 8.4 seconds.

Alfa Romeo Giulietta Cloverleaf and Mito Cloverleaf (2014) first official pictures

By Ollie Kew First Official Pictures 28 February 2014 11:00 You wait for ages for an Alfa Romeo hot hatchback and, ahem, two tweaked versions arrive together. Here we have the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Cloverleaf and Mito Cloverleaf, or ‘Quadrifoglio Verde’, if you prefer. Both range-toppers will be revealed at the Geneva motor show in March 2014.

Concept Car of the Week: Ford Mustang RSX Concept (1979)

In the late ‘70s, Ford commissioned carrozzeria Ghia to build a concept car based on the Fox platform to help promote its third generation Mustang. Probably inspired by the Escort RS's success at the World Rally Championship, the concept was dubbed RSX – standing for Rally Sport Experimental – and the Fox platform-based Mustang was modified as a rally car. To improve the handling, the wheelbase from the Fox was shortened by 142mm, the track was widened by around 25mm at the rear while the ride height was increased for off-tarmac stages of European rallies.

Danger from driving with flu

DRIVING while suffering from the flu can put motorists at risk as many are unaware that many cold and flu remedies contain alcohol and can have serious side effects. Two thirds of drivers (64%) say they have driven after taking medication to treat a heavy cold or flu and 13% say they have experienced side effects when driving. The study by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) says drivers are risking drowsiness and reduced levels of concentration when under using these drugs.

Council’s Flood Excuses Don’t Hold Water - Poll

MEDIA interest might have died down but thousands are still dealing with the devastation caused by the recent flooding. Along with homeowners, motorists also battled rising water levels and deteriorating road conditions. However, according to a new survey of its members, the AA has said that as many as 68 percent of those polled said the extreme weather had contributed to poor road conditions but 67 percent blamed councils for not maintaining drains well enough.

Volkswagen T-ROC SUV Concept points to a Nissan Juke competitor

Volkswagen T-ROC SUV Concept (pictured) heading for Geneva Volkswagen are aiming to expand their lineup of SUVs from the current Tiguan and Touareg to include more options in size and ability to tap in to the growing compact SUV market, and having already previewed the Up!-based Taigun we now get a new VW compact SUV concept aiming to fit in between the Taigun and Tiguan – the Volkswagen T-ROC SUV Concept. Heading for a debut at the Geneva Motor Show next week – and revealed today in a series of design sketches (above) – the T-Roc is a two-door, four-wheel-drive compact SUV with a two-pieced Targa roof. In terms of styling, the T-Toc gets VW’s idea of and evolution of its, rather bland, SUV styling with a new grill providing a more original front end (which has echoes of the Nissan Juke but can be referenced by the Karmann Ghia), a coupe look and that removable Targa roof.

Koenigsegg One:1 (2014) first official pictures

By Ollie Kew First Official Pictures 28 February 2014 14:00 Stand well back. This is the Koengisegg One:1, and it may well need a team of lion-tamers to restrain it from leaping clean off its Geneva motor show stand and picking a fight with the McLaren P1, LaFerrari and Porsche 918. You’re looking at, according to Koenigsegg, the new fastest road car in the world.

Higher speed limits 'save lives'

AN INCREASE in the speed limits on some roads in Denmark has reduced traffic collisions and cut road deaths. The two-year trial has also found that higher speed limits on motorways have helped lower the number of accidents. The Danish road directorate conducted the trial on rural two-way roads where there had previously been an 80km/h (50mph) speed limit and increased it to 90km/h (56mph).

Czech Car Maker Offers A Vision Of Its Future

SKODA has long since cast off its budget car image, but just in case you remain on the fence regarding the Czech firm’s premium market aspirations, it’s revealed a smart new concept car ahead of the Geneva Motor Show, called the VisionC. The five-door ‘coupe’ is said to be positioned in-between existing Octavia and Superb models, and has clearly been influenced by cars such as Audi’s A7 – another large, premium coupe-like model. As Skoda continues to grab a larger share of the market it’s also keen to steal buyers from existing firms selling ‘affordable premium’ models.