08 Porsche 911 Carrera Convertible Turbo 997 Top Driver Arms Levers 14,509 on 2040-parts.com

Volkswagen UK’s dealer showrooms get a revamp

It’s an interesting exercise to ponder on the future of main dealer showrooms as the world moves more and more towards an online buying experience. Are car showrooms a relic of the past or the perfect way, still, to showcase the offerings from a car maker? Volkswagen are taking no chances on the future and have already rolled out their ‘Digital Showrooms’ across the dealer network where staff get iPads and advanced web tools to try and bring the on-line and off-line worlds in to a workable intersection, and offer customers virtual product that wouldn’t otherwise be available on show.

Infiniti M

Less than two years after the mid-life facelift of its 'M' series luxury sedan range, Infiniti has taken the wraps off an all-new 2011 version. Launched 'virtually' at the recent Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the third-generation M is scheduled to be publicly unveiled later this year bearing toned-down styling cues from the company's Essence concept. The influence of the Essence is most apparent in the sedan's undulating character line and the way that the hood plunges down to meet a low-set front grille complete with concave outer edges.

Caterham announces cut-price Seven 160 sports car

BRITISH sports car maker Caterham has announced a new low- priced version of its long-running Seven model. Dubbed the Seven 160, the new model starts at a measly £14,995 in component form or £17,995 fully built. Under the bonnet there is a turbocharged 660cc Suzuki engine and although this only offers up a modest 80bhp, that's still enough to power the lightweight Seven from 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds.