2009 Mazda 3 hatchback unveiled ahead of Bologna

Mazda has today released the first pictures of the new Mazda 3 hatchback, ahead of the Bologna Motor Show on December 3rd. The pictures come hot on the heels of the recently announced saloon and, just like the saloon, the Mazda 3 hatchback is a much fresher design, with far more sporty pretensions. One of the big aims for Mazda with the 3 was, of course, a much more economical car without sacrificing the old model’s strengths.

General Motors combines smartphone functions with the Chevrolet Volt

General Motors is bringing together two of the hottest areas of technology--smartphones and plug-in electric cars. GM's OnStar telematics unit has developed a downloadable application that will let Chevrolet Volt drivers use a Blackberry Storm, Apple iPhone or Motorola Droid to remotely control and monitor some vehicle functions, such as charging. The Volt is slated to go into production late this year and arrive in California utility company fleets by early 2011.

Kamui Kobayashi canes the Caterham 620 R

After spending a year in the FIA World Endurance Championship, Japanese driver Kamui Kobayashi has returned to Formula One, nabbing a seat with Caterham. And while Sebastian Vettel is stuck hawking SUVs for Infiniti, part of Kobayashi's duties include flogging the manufacturer's latest evolution of Colin Chapman's bare-bodkin brainchild, the Seven 620R at Silverstone. We anxiously await the inevitable follow-up video where Kobayashi takes the legally-a-keicar Seven 160 for a blat in Tokyo traffic.