2006 Vw Jetta Clock Spring on 2040-parts.com

Opel Ampera: the full, official technical story

By Tim Pollard Motor Industry 25 March 2009 10:05 Opel/Vauxhall predict that the new Ampera production car will sell more in Britain than anywhere else in Europe. The extended range electric vehicle, unveiled at the recent 2009 Geneva motor show, will go on sale here in late 2011 and marketing bosses say the UK is more accepting of hybrids and alternative vehicles than other markets. It’s not clear at this stage how much the Ampera will cost in the UK, but we’re looking at a likely cost around £20,000.

Coventry University degree show 2009

Students graduating in automotive, transport and product design from Coventry University in 2009 displayed an exceptionally wide variety of final projects. From hydrogen-powered supercars to electric commuters, eco awareness was a clear theme, with imaginative use of new materials and technologies. Strong interest was evident in all forms of transport - from folding bicycles and ingenious wheelchairs to ocean-crossing ekranoplan aircraft and extravagant super-yachts for the very wealthy.

BAC Mono

Another name to emerge amidst the numerous English niche manufacturers, are Briggs Automotive. Taking the fight to cars like the Aerial Atom and Caparo T1, the BAC Mono is a lightweight carbon fiber tubbed single seater, proving that once again less is more in terms of performance. Boasting a kerb weight of just 540kg, the single seat ‘ultra high performance, road legal sports vehicle' was produced using race-bred technology in order to deliver a purist driving experience.