Auto Meter 5731 Phantom; Mechanical Water Temperature Gauge on 2040-parts.com

Nissan tests self-cleaning paint

Well that took long enough. Nanotechnology is here, and Nissan is reportedly using it in the paint on its little Versa Note hatchback. We would have started on something a little more exciting, like the hard-to-care-for matte finish on the GT-R's rear spoiler, but that's just us.

Peugeot 2008 Concept

Peugeot will unveil its new 2008 Concept at next week's Paris motor show, developed by design teams in Paris, Shanghai and Sao Paolo. The automaker has confirmed that the 2008 will go into production; first in France, then China and then Brazil as a global product. It comes after Peugeot displayed its Urban Crossover concept at this year's Beijing auto show, which bears an uncanny resemblance to the 2008.  The 2008 concept, which measures 4,140mm long and 1,730mm wide, is painted matte fluorescent yellow with dark chrome surrounding the now-familar floating grille and the air inlets integrated into the fender.

New Honda Insight Hybrid: Insight Exclusive gets 1.5 litre from CR-Z

Honda Insight Exclusive gets bigger 1.5 litre IMA Hybrid You can’t blame Honda for wanting to keep a toe in the hybrid waters, especially as arch rival Toyota has all but cornered the market. But you can blame them for the rather woeful Honda Insight Hybrid which, despite offering good headline economy and a bit of a green halo, is something of a dog. However, a chunk of the criticisms levelled at the Insight were addressed by Honda last month when it revealed its nips and tucks for the Insight for 2012.