Who's Where: Gordon Murray launches own design company

Famed Formula One designer Gordon Murray has launched his own design company, with its first project currently underway. But it's not quite what you might expect from someone who's made a name for himself building such aerodynamic performers like the McLaren F1 and Camparo T1 supercars. Murray's new project is to build an economical small car for the masses: one that would be both cheap to buy and to run.

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.

Lotus announces partnership with Mansory

Group Lotus has announced its new collaboration with Mansory, which will become its official customization studio. The German tuner will be contributing bodywork, trim and special finishes for the Elise, Exige and Evora in yet another controversial strategic decision for the UK company. Lotus confirmed the first fruits of this new partnership will be the unveiling a new model variant at September's Paris motor show, two years after the highly ambitious announcement of five new models of which the first is yet to become reality.