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Vauxhall Astra & Astra Sports Tourer get BiTurbo diesel

Vauxhall has decided to bolt their BiTurbo diesel engine in to the Astra Hatch and the Astra Sports Tourer. Vauxhall revealed last month that the Astra GTC was getting the frugal but lively 2.0 litre CDTi BiTurbo engine, offering a tempting combination of 53mpg official economy and sub 8 second 0-62mph performance. With levels of economy unthinkable just a few years ago combined with performance a hot hatch would have been proud of, the BiTurbo Astra GTC is a clever combination.

MINI almost reveals the production Paceman

It’s almost certain the production ready MINI Paceman will debut at Paris in September now MINI has released a set of lightly camouflaged photos. The MINI Paceman – which started as the Paceman, became the Countryman Coupe and is now back to being the Paceman – looks set to debut at the Paris Motor Show in September. As is MINI’s wont, they’re starting to ramp up a bit of PR for the 2-door Countryman Coupe by letting loose a few photos and letting a handful of ‘safe’ car journalist loose on a quick test.

BASF annual color trend report

Materials giant BASF has presented the findings of its annual color trend report, created by a team of designers scouting out global textile and furniture trade shows for information. And while some may think color trends are simply at the whim of designers, BASF's report identifies influences such as socio-political climate, interior design, architecture, technology and pop culture. 'Green luxury' is not an oxymoron The trend towards blues is continuing, while earthy tones and colors also reflect ecological awareness.

New dynamic 3D button touchscreen tech

A pioneering new technology allows touchscreens to ‘grow’ dynamic buttons from flat surfaces. The new technology, developed by US company Tactus Technology, uses minute channels within the screen to siphon liquid into button shaped cavities that then rise when pressed, alleviating some of the muscle-memory and distraction issues often leveled at touchscreens. Craig Ciesla, CEO of Tactus Technology, says that it was his desire to merge the elegance of the iPhone's user interface with the tactility of Blackberry buttons that led to the technology's development.

Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE takes to Virginia International Raceway

Chevrolet recently took a Camaro SS upgraded with the 1LE package to Virginia International Raceway (VIR) to test. The new package adds $3,500 to the cost of a standard Camaro SS, for a total price of $37,035. At VIR, the car is good for a lap time of 2 minutes, 58.34 seconds.

Redesigned 2013 Lexus LS offers new sheetmetal, safety features

Lexus Division unveiled its new LS 460 flagship luxury sedan that arrives in dealerships this fall, with standard and long-wheelbase editions, a hybrid version and a new F-Sport trim level with improved handling dynamics. Despite its sheet metal changes, the car is actually little changed underneath. Its 4.6-liter V8 engine and eight-speed transmission are basically carryover, at a time when luxury brands are using powertrain technology as a differentiating ploy.

Briggs Cunningham's Le Mans Corvette race car found in Florida

One of three 1960 Chevrolet Corvettes campaigned by Briggs Cunningham at the 24 Hours of Le Mans--a car whose whereabouts have been unknown for more than 30 years--has been found. The car, which wore the No. 1 for the Le Mans race with drivers Cunningham and William Kimberley, will be shown publicly at the Corvettes at Carlisle show in Carlisle, Pa., in late August.

Hyundai Veloster Turbo R planned?

The rumours are growing that Hyundai is preparing a Veloster Turbo R with more power than the regular Veloster turbo. We still haven’t seen the Hyundai Veloster Turbo arrive in the UK (although it’s not far off) yet the rumours are already growing that Hyundai are preparing a more powerful Turbo ‘R’ version. Motor Authority have been chatting with Hyundai in the US who seem to be saying there’s room for the Veloster Turbo to get more powerful and more dynamic.

Porsche 918 Spyder gets Martini Racing livery

The Porsche 918 Spyder hybrid supercar has been revealed in traditional Martini Racing livery, an option available to buyers. The Porsche 918 Spyder has been cropping up lately with a black and white version of the iconic Martini Racing livery as 918 Spyder Prototypes strut their stuff on Europe’s roads. But now Porsche has gone the whole hog and struck a deal with Martini to revive the Martini Racing livery used by Porsche in the 1970s for its new hybrid supercar, and buyers of the 918 Spyder will be able to option their new car up with Martini logos.

2013 Lexus LS: UK gets LS 460 & LS F-Sport too

The 2013 Lexus LS has been revealed with a raft of changes and the addition for the UK of the petrol LS 460 and the new F Sport option. The 2013 Lexus LS has managed to arrive in bits and pieces, from the original LS tease through a single photo of the new LS when the official Lexus photos started to leak and then a full-on leak of a raft of LS photos a few days ago. But now we get the official reveal.

Facelifted Audi R8 (2012) prices announced

Audi has announced prices for its revised 2012 R8 supercar range. The cheapest way into R8 ownership remains the V8 Coupe, at £91,575, while the new flagship R8 V10 Plus will set you back a cool £127,575 if you opt for the pricier double-clutch gearbox version. Why the premium for the Audi R8 Plus?

Lexus LS (2012): the full set of new photos

Lexus has fully revealed the new LS, after last week's Facebook teaser. Two different LS models will be available again - the LS460 and LS600h - but there's now F-sport trim available for the first time, for those who want to give their LS a more sporting look. The LS will go on sale later in 2012, after its worldwide in-the-metal debut at the Moscow motor show.

Video: Road & Track presents The Five Minute Car Design with Tom Matano

Tom Matano – designer of the Mazda MX-5 and executive director of industrial design at Academy of Art University – is the subject of Road & Track's second ‘The Five Minute Car Design' video feature. The R&T crew headed to Matano's design studio and asked him to create his ideal sedan in just five minutes before destroying it at the end of the film. This latest video is the second in the series, which started with Ian Cartabiano from Calty Design in California design and destroy his ultimate sports car.

David Lyon in shock GM departure

News of David Lyon's shock departure from General Motors broke this weekend. Lyon was set to become Vice President of Design for Opel/Vauxhall in Rüsselsheim, Germany on 1 August. Up until now, he was responsible for Buick and GMC design, GM interior design and global cross brand design.

‘What is new in Alias v2013?' Webinar to take place 15 August

The first Autodesk Webinar of the year is set to take place on 15 August, promising a fascinating insight into the software's new tools and functions. Register here to attend. The first of four Webinars will be entitled ‘What is new in Alias v2013?' and showcases the capabilities of the company's latest software edition.

Olympic champion Kim Rhode shoots for medals

Kim Rhode is an Olympic champion, which by itself would be impressive enough. But Rhode is not just a one-time Olympic champion. The Summer Games in London will be the fifth Olympics for this 33-year-old trap and skeet specialist.

Opel design boss dismissed

Newly appointed Opel design boss Dave Lyon has been dismissed by parent company General Motors, less than a week before he was set to take over the position at the company's troubled European subsidiary in Russelsheim, Germany. Lyon, who was set to receive Opel's design operations from current boss Mark Adams on Aug. 1, was reportedly escorted from GM design headquarters in Michigan late last week under mysterious circumstances.

2013 Lexus LS 460 F-Sport revealed on Facebook

After teasing the silhouette of the 2013 Lexus LS 460 on Facebook last week, the company has revealed the entire car. It's actually the F-Sport version of the Lexus halo sedan, and it will wear the corporate, aggressive, angular front end seen on the GS model. The body looks more muscular than before, with a sportier set of wheels to go along with the new look.

2013 Audi R8: UK Prices announced

Audi has revealed pricing for the 2013 R8, which starts at £91,575 for the V8 Coupe. The new Audi R8 V10 plus costs from £124,675. The 2013 Audi R8 was revealed last week complete with the only thing that was really missing from the original R8 – a decent auto ‘box.

New MG3 caught on video in Spain

The MG3 – MG’s new supermini – has been caught testing in Spain ahead of a launch in the UK in early 2013. MG doesn’t offer a great deal of choice for car buyers at the moment, but the MG range is set to expand in 2013 with the addition of the MG3 supermini. The MG3 is already on sale in China, but MG are busy giving the MG3 a bit of a makeover to suit European markets, and a trio of UK plate MG3s have been caught out testing in Spain ahead of a UK launch at the start of the New Year.

Lamborghini Aventador: The ‘Soon to be Green’ Supercar

Lamborghini are to introduce a series of ‘Green’ updates for the Aventador including cylinder deactivation and stop-start. Hot on the heels of the news that the Lamborghini Aventador has already sold 1,000 units – in half the time it took for the Murcialago – comes the news that Lamborghini are planning on making the Aventador a much ‘Greener’ supercar. Top of the list of updates planned is cylinder deactivation which will seamlessly deactivate six of the Aventador’s six cylinders under light load, yet immediately offer the full Monty of twelve as soon as your right foot twitches.

2013 Mercedes C-Class gets a tweak

Mercedes has updated the C-Class for 2013 with new trim levels, lower emissions and new equipment. AMG Sport model added. Mercedes-Benz has decided it’s time to tweak the C-Class for the 2013 model year with a raft of changes to make the very good C-Class even more appealing.

Ferrari F12 Berlinetta: New photos & video

With the first road tests and reviews of the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta now hitting the web we have the latest photos and video of Maranello’s new car. We really must make sure Ferrari FNEPR has our secret email to send us invites to their latest test drives. Somehow, we missed out on a trip to Maranello this weekend to drive the Ferrari F12berlinetta, Ferrari’s fastest road car ever.

Mercedes C-class (2013) gets new engine, updated trim

The BMW 3-series is the de facto small exec choice, right? Not if Mercedes can help it. To fight the brand new Three, Merc has set up an all new trim structure for the C-class, and added a fleet-friendly engine to the C180.

Elegant 1933 one-offs take top honors at the Concours d'Elegance of America

Two elegant cars from 1933 were named Best in Show at the 2012 Concours d'Elegance of America at St. John's on Sunday. Jim Patterson's 1933 Delage D8S was crowned best European car, while Joseph Cassini's 1933 Chrysler Imperial Phaeton with body by LeBaron took the top honors for American-made cars.

GM dismisses marketing chief Joel Ewanick

UPDATED -- General Motors has dismissed global marketing chief Joel Ewanick two years after hiring him. "He failed to meet the expectations the company has of an employee," spokesman Greg Martin said Sunday, without elaborating. In a short statement, GM said Alan Batey, GM's vice president of U.S.

Hungarian Grand Prix (2012) RESULT

With a dominant Lewis Hamilton on pole and Button just behind in his McLaren, will the 2012 Hungarian Grand Prix see McLaren dominate? There’s no question, certainly on the evidence of free practice and qualifying at the Hungaroring for the 2012 Hungarian Grand Prix, that McLaren has found the speed it’s lost recently. Hamilton was streets ahead of the rest and Button close behind as McLaren showed they probably have the fastest car on the grid this weekend.

New MINI JCW GP laps Nurburgring in 8:23 (video)

We have video of the fastest MINI ever – the MINI John Cooper Works GP II – lapping the Nurburgring in 8:23. We revealed back in April that a new version of the MINI JCW GP was on the way, and MINI got round to confirming that in May when the new MINI John Cooper Works GP was officially revealed. At the time, MINI told us that the new MINI GP could hustle round the Nurburgring a full 19 seconds quicker than the old MINI GP making the new hot MINI the fastest MINI ever made (well, the fastest MINI ever made by BMW, anyway).

Jaguar C-X75 Hybrid Supercar: More details revealed

Jaguar has revealed their C-X75 Hybrid Supercar will get a 500bhp 1.6 litre engine and just 200 will be built. On sale 2014. It’s almost two years since the Jaguar C-X75 hybrid hypercar was revealed with a futuristic wish-list of a gas-turbine powered hybrid car to mark Jaguar’s 21st century renaissance.

New Lexus LS fully revealed

The 2013 Lexus LS has escaped on to the web 48 hours before the official reveal with a full set of exterior photos. Just yesterday, Lexus responded to the leak of a couple of photos of the 2013 Lexus LS by issuing a single photo of the exterior of their ‘New’ LS. What they’ll do now a full set of  exterior photos of both the regular 2013 LS and 2013 LS F Sport have escaped on to the net we can only guess, although it seems unlikely they’ll do the official reveal until Monday as they planned.