Honda has released the first picture of the production version of the new Insight hybrid, which is billed as the most affordable car of its type.
It’s certainly a world away from the original Insight coup. That model, launched in 1999, used aluminium and plastic to achieve a kerbweight of less than a tonne, and returned economy of around 80mpg. Becasue of the car's specialist design, only 18,000 were sold.
Think the 380bhp 4.3-litre Aston Martin V8 Vantage is not powerful enough? The firm is now offering a 20bhp upgrade for owners of the recently replaced coupe. The retrospectively fitted kit features a revised induction system that boosts bhp up to 400, while torque is increased by 10NM to 420. What’s more, those drivers can also specify the Sports Pack handling upgrade as seen on the new 4.7 V8 Vantage. Both upgrades are available from franchised dealers costing £1,500 and £3,300 plus fitting, respectively.
Nissan has revealed official details of its European-specification GT-R models – and it's good news for UK customers. The supercar, which arrives here next April, has benefitted from a host of improvements over US and Japanese editions.
Stumped at what to buy the car nut in your family this Christmas? Join us as we name this winters must have motoring accesories! Our list will be updated daily, so don't forget to check back regularly.
Xmas Gift Guide Pt 1
Best sat-nav systems reviewed
Roll up, roll up! America’s ‘big three’ – GM, Ford and Chrysler – are selling assets to try to avoid bankruptcy. The firms’ bosses went to the US Government in search of $22.9billion in loans.
Ford’s Alan Mulally, GM’s Rick Wagoner and Chrysler’s Bob Nardelli have agreed to sell private jets and work for $1 a year to persuade senators to bail them out! GM is believed to be selling its HQ in Detroit, plus vacant manufacturing buildings in Europe, to raise $4bn. It may also offload Saab, Suzuki, Pontiac and Saturn.
Car plants are grinding to a halt in the wake of falling sales. The gates to 68 factories worldwide will close as demand slumps.
In the UK alone, Honda will shut its Swindon site for two months after Christmas. Nissan has cut the working week at its Sunderland factory to three days, while Ford and MINI plants in Southampton and Oxford will close for the next month.
It’s the end of the road for Honda in F1. In a shock announcement, the Japanese giant has confirmed it is withdrawing from grand prix racing with immediate effect.
In a statement, Honda’s President Takeo Fukai outlined the company’s reasons for making the radical cut. “This difficult decision has been made in light of the quickly deteriorating operating environment facing the global auto industry”, he said. “Honda must protect its core business activities and secure its long term future.”
