Michael Schumacher vs the Nurburgring rollercoaster

Michael Schumacher vs the Nurburgring rollercoaster By Ben Barry First Official Pictures 17 July 2009 13:03 Michael Schumacher still holds the Nürburgring GP circuit’s lap record (1:29.468 back in 2004), but he’s never left the startline faster than he did last weekend – when he was strapped into the world’s fastest rollercoaster, subjected to 4.5g at launch and accelerated up to 135mph along 1212m of track. The rollercoaster – originally planned to open in Easter 2009 as part of a €215 million expansion plan – finally got the champers treatment at the German GP, and runs right next to the race track’s start/finish straight before spearing off into a number of tortuous twists and turns. How did the ’Ring people manage to get the former F1 world champ on board?

Honda CR-Z (2010): more details of Euro version

More details emerged today on the European-spec Honda CR-Z hybrid coupé. It’s the big news on the Honda stand at the 2010 Geneva motor show – and they’ve now confirmed the all-important emissions and economy figures for this greener sports car. The new CR-Z achieves 56.4mpg and pumps out 117g/km of CO2, says Honda.

Aston Martin Cygnet preview

Aston Martin has developed a new 'innovative commuter concept car' called the Cygnet. If you're thinking it looks like the design team's placed a downsized Aston Martin grille onto a Toyota iQ, you wouldn't be far off. The luxury commuter concept, which Aston Martin claims will 'offer customers a distinctive, intelligent and exclusive solution for urban travel in style and luxury' is actually based on the diminutive urban runabout and was created in collaboration with the Japanese automaker.