Ferrari 400 Superamerica sells for £2.3 million

The 1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Cabriolet Pininfarina SWB - record price The world’s in the depths of the worst recession in a generation (or three). Banks aren’t lending to anyone who needs it – just to those who don’t. The Greeks are up in arms at the prospect of actually paying any tax and the Euro is on the edge of collapse (actually, the Euro was always an accident waiting to happen).

Future products: The new Ford has learned to think small

Ford Motor Co., long known for pickups and SUVs, will emphasize cars, crossovers and fuel-efficient engines in the next few years. The company wants to be the fuel economy leader, and federal mpg standards are rising. Ford launched the Fiesta subcompact this summer and will introduce a redesigned Focus compact early next year.

New Mercedes A Class: A 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Edition models launch

Mercedes are launching two new eco versions of the new A Class – the A 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Edition and A 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Edition. Mercedes has had a play with the aerodynamics on the new A Class to lower the Cd value from an already very low 0.27 to 0.26 by partially covering the upper section of the radiator grill, adding aerodynamically shaped spring link coverings that improve the flow of air along the underbody at the rear axle and lowering the suspension by 15mm. Mercedes has also tweaked the generator management for more efficiency and had a play with the gearbox to make the ratios longer (which will help economy, but won’t do much for responsiveness).