1935-1937 Ford Station Wagon Gas Tank Grommet-48-9080-b on 2040-parts.com

Mini is 50: a Mini celebration by CAR writers and readers

By Tim Pollard Motoring Issues 13 October 2009 12:45 Mini is 50 this year and we've published a 33-page Mini special in the new November issue of CAR Magazine – packed with memories, drives and analysis of and with the cars and people that made Mini great.  Here we've asked some of CAR's top writers to remember their personal highlights from the past five decades. Gavin Green explains why he recently drove across Australia in a modern Mini, while Anthony ffrench-Constant recalls why crashing a classic Mini caused him to start a lifelong nicotine habit. Click on the links below for our new Mini stories – and don't forget we want YOUR Mini memories too.

Audi introduces free smartphone app for roadside service

With its new roadside-assistance tool, Audi joins the crew of carmakers creating smartphone apps. Available for iPhone, Android and some Blackberry devices, the free app connects you directly with Audi and its insurance partner, Allstate. The app sends your vehicle information to Audi Roadside Services, allows you to select the type of service you require and communicates your location using your phone's GPS.

Italian supercar makers halt production after second earthquake

Ferrari, Maserati and Lamborghini on Tuesday suspended production after an earthquake killed at least 10 people in northern Italy where their factories are located. The three luxury sports car makers said their factories were not damaged in the quake but they had sent workers home. "All the workers and employees have been allowed to join their families" Ferrari said on its Twitter account.