Five-Door Mini Hatch Is Go

BMW HAS announced that production of the long awaited five-door Mini Hatch has started, signaling the next phase in the car maker’s £750 million investment programme across its UK production facilities from 2011 to 2015. The car comes hot on the heels of the new Mini Hatch, which was launched in November. The new five-door version will go on sale in the autumn.

Mercedes E-Class sports wagon ‘on the drawing board’

By James Foxall Motor Industry 26 May 2009 09:50 Mercedes is working on a sporty two-door estate, CAR can disclose. Based on the unusual Concept Fascination show car, the new niche buster would expand Merc’s E-class line-up further. The car that’s being studied closely mirrors the Concept Fascination that was originally shown at the 2008 Paris motor show as a preview to the latest E-class saloon and coupe.

Rains Wash Out Pacific Coast Highway

California's scenic Highway 1 is closed down for at least a month after a landslide washed out a 40-foot section of the famous road just north of Big Sur. The closure is in effect from 12 miles north of Big Sur State Park at the Bixby Creek Bridge to 10 miles miles south of the Carmel River Bridge "due to a slip-out," according to the California Dept. of Transportation.