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New Car Flash site is social network for petrolheads

Newcastle-based entrepreneur Kasim Malik has launched a new social network called Car Flash, targeted specifically at car enthusiasts. Car Flash aims to take advantage of the current trend towards niche social networking, and connect petrolheads across the globe through their shared enthusiasm. On Bing: see pictures of car enthusiasts Find out how much a used car costs on Auto Trader The site, Carflash.com, allows you to create a personal profile, find and add friends, browse a news feed and make use of a real-time messaging function.

Don't get caught on car hire 'slippery slope'

'DO IT YOURSELF' holidays are generally seen as a cheaper version of what can be steeply priced and inflexible package deals, particularly in the notoriously expensive ski market. But experts are warning that skiers who make their own way to the slopes this winter, instead of buying a package with transfers included, could be hit by hefty charges for car hire at the airport. According to iCarhireinsurance.com, a specialist insurer, some skiers hiring cars for New Year breaks could pay for their hire car twice over because of added 'extras'.

Mini Coupe (2011) specifications announced

Mini has announced the basic specifications for the upcoming Mini Coupe, due to launch later in summer 2011. Mini Coupe: the spec levels The car will be available in four specification levels, starting with Mini Cooper Coupe's naturally-aspirated 1.6-litre engine. From there it's on to the 1.6 turbocharged petrol Mini Cooper S Coupe, 2.0 turbodiesel Cooper SD Coupe, and the range-topping 208bhp Mini John Cooper Works Coupe.