Google reveals its first self-driving car prototype (video)

Google’s first self-driving car prototype (pictured) Google might not be the first company that springs to mind as a car maker, but Tesla has already proved that Silicon Valley can produce a car that buyers want and Google are intent on following a similar route. But where Tesla’s USP is its long-range electric capabilities – and a desire to build cars for the market – Google’s goal is more technology orientated and is all about developing self-driving car technology that works in the real world. For the last few years, Google has been experimenting with existing cars kitted out with self-driving gubbins, but now they’ve taken the next step and built their own self-driving prototype.

Koenigsegg One:1 – 1400 hp & 280mph

Koenigsegg One:1 (pictured) 1400 hp & 280mph In a wide ranging interview – in which Bloomberg compare Christian to a benevolent Bond villain – Christian reveals that plans for the One: 1 have moved on in the last year, and what he has in store is impressive indeed. The Koenigsegg One:1 will come with 1,400 horses – more than we imagined – and it will indeed boast one hp for every one kilogram. But that weight is a weight including all fluids and even the driver.

Concept Car of the Week: Mazda RX500 (1970)

Developed by the Toyo Kogyo Company's advanced design and engineering team, the Mazda RX-500 was described as a ‘mobile test bed for high-speed safety'. Looking at its design, the team's childlike enthusiasm has shone through, resulting in a very cool concept.  From the rakish front to the wraparound windscreen and on to the bread van rear, everything communicates high-tech and ‘70's futurism while also channeling a little of the Star Wars X-Wing. Thanks to plastic body panels, the concept weighs only 850kg and is powered by a 491cc rotary engine delivering 247bhp fitted behind the cabin, in front of the rear axle.