BMW Vision ConnectedDrive (2011) first pictures

This gorgeous two-seat roadster is the BMW Vision ConnectedDrive, set to be unveiled at the 2011 Geneva motor show. Unlike some of BMW’s other Vision-tagged concept cars, this unfortunately isn’t a thinly disguised production car, but a study designed to highlight the company’s driver assistance systems.  However, although BMW has released no details on the engine or layout under the sexy skin, thankfully the Vision ConnectedDrive’s stunning styling (including the shark nose, wrap-around rear lights and layered body) will find its way onto future production BMWs.  For a start sensors in the headlamps and rear lights monitor the traffic situation and the environment around the car, while instead of wing mirrors there are antennas that receive navigation data and transmit other information. Inside the driver has a 3D head-up display, and the system can project information about the chosen sat-nav route so it appears at the exact point of a possible turn-off. The 3D system also displays information in the foreground or background of the display depending on its relevance.

Carlsson C25 super coupé (2010) first official pictures

Mercedes tuner Carlsson will whisk the covers off this slinky new sports coupe at the 2010 Geneva motor show. The new C25 is Carlsson’s take on the Merc CL and this reskinned supercar will be one of the world premieres at the Palexpo arena.  Carlsson says it’s the company’s first own-developed and badged road car and it just about looks convincingly different enough from the SL to warrant that claim, we reckon. Just 25 C25s will be built, each powered by a breathed-on Mercedes 743bhp bi-turbo 6.0-litre V12.

Road accidents' annual cost '£34bn'

THE TOTAL ANNUAL COST of road accidents, including the human suffering as well as the medical bills, could be more than £34 billion, according to Government estimates. Latest figures show that British road accidents that were reported in 2012 cost an estimated £15.12 billion. This included damage-only accidents but did not allow for unreported injury accidents.