Mini: the 50th anniversary and new models galore

By Phil McNamara Motor Industry 27 May 2009 13:14 Mini’s renaissance is entering a new phase of electric power, 4x4 crossovers and yet more bodystyles, said BMW marketing chief Ian Robertson at the British brand’s 50th birthday party. Over the last May bank holiday weekend, some 15,000 Mini fans converged on Silverstone, for a three-day festival of cars, racing and music. The company revealed three special editions: high-spec Camden and Mayfair models, plus the 211bhp World Championship 50 Edition in homage to racing team boss John Cooper.

GM greenlights Chevy Spark, Orlando for production

Two more fuel-sipping Chevrolets will be coming to North America in 2011. The Chevy Beat concept is now called the Spark, and along with the Orlando multi-purpose vehicle, has been greenlighted for production. They will be sold around the world, including in the United States.

Vauxhall Insignia BiTurbo diesel launched – Models & Prices

Vauxhall Insignia BiTurbo launched with more power and lower running costs Vauxhall has added an extra turbo to the Insignia 2.0 litre diesel to create the Vauxhall Insignia BiTurbo with 192bhp and 57.6mpg. The Vauxhall Insignia is a more than half decent car, and capable of handling quite a chunk of power too. So it will have no trouble handling the extra diesel power arriving in the guise of the Vauxhall Insignia BiTurbo.