Teen driver safety: The GDL Kickback

News that fewer teenagers are getting driver's licenses has been greeted with consternation in some corners, but it couldn't make the insurance industry happier. There are lies, damned lies and statistics--and sometimes legitimate, measurable trends. While some experts have quibbled about how some states report their information, no one argues the basic point: More teenagers are forgoing a driver's license longer than at any time in at least 20 years.

Who's Where: Gordon Murray, Advanced Concepts Director, Caparo Vehicle Products

Gordon Murray yesterday became Advanced Concepts Director of Caparo Vehicle Products. Murray is best known as one of the founding partners of McLaren Cars which under his technical direction won eight Constructors Championships in Formula One. Within the automotive design community he is even better known for the McLaren F1 supercar of 1994 which he conceived and developed with, amongst others, designer Peter Stevens.

New Alfa Romeo Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde gets Alfa 4C engine

The new Alfa Giulietta & MiTo Cloverleaf Heading for Geneva next week will be a pair of updated range-toppers from Alfa Romeo – the Alfa Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde and MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde – with the Giulietta the more interesting of the two. The engine in the new Alfa 4C is based on the engine in the current Alfa Giulietta, but now Alfa has decided the old 1750 TB engine in the Giulietta should make way for its new, lighter sibling from the 4C so the Giulietta will come with the same 1750 Turbo Petrol developing 237bhp and good for a 6.6 seconds 0-62mph sprint. Other tweaks for the Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde include big tail pipes, 320mm Brembos, new bodykit, 18″ alloys, sports seats, leather and Alcantar trim, new instruments and a black roof.