Blog on 2040Parts

Overseas embassies in London refuse to pay £77m on Congestion Charge

ALESSIA PIERDOMENICO, Newscom, RTR More than £75 million in Congestion Charge fees is owed by London’s foreign embassy staff who refuse to pay it. The staggering figure is revealed in a report which names and shames 71 countries which have each racked up debts of more than £100,000 since the scheme launched in February 2003. According to figures compiled by Transport for London (TfL) and seen by MSN Cars, the total amount outstanding from them – up to 14 January 2014 – is a whopping £76.9 million.

Vauxhall Astra VXR Extreme (2014) first official pictures

By Ollie Kew First Official Pictures 30 January 2014 12:50 Meet the Vauxhall Astra VXR Extreme – the most hard-core hot hatch ever to wear the Astra badge. Inspired by the Astra Cup racing car, it’s essentially an Astra with ‘Speciale’ or ‘GT3’ treatment applied to it, in the vein of Ferrari and Porsche’s fire-breathing specials. Expect less weight, less refinement – and a lot more on-track performance.

McLaren employees killed in crash

TWO MCLAREN EMPLOYEES were killed when the sports car they were travelling in crashed near to the Formula 1 giant's technology centre. The staff members, who were in a blue Subaru Impreza, were pronounced dead at the scene following a collision with a Ford Transit van on the A320 in Ottershaw, Surrey, at 12.10pm yesterday. A man in his 60s who was driving the van was taken to St George's Hospital in Tooting with serious injuries, Surrey Police said.

Child car smoking ban moves closer

A BAN ON SMOKING in cars with children present has moved a step closer after peers inflicted a defeat on the Government in the House of Lords. Campaigners welcomed the result of the Lords vote, claiming a ban would protect half-a-million children who were exposed to second-hand smoke in cars every week. Although the successful Labour amendment to the Children and Families Bill does not directly ban smoking in cars with children in them, it backs the principle of making it an offence.

Record Breaker Roars Again

WEDNESDAY 29th January will go down in history as the day Sir Malcolm Campbell’s record breaking 350hp Sunbeam was fired up and heard in public for the first time in over 50 years. The historic event followed a complete rebuild by the National Motor Museum’s workshop team. As the brainchild of Sunbeam’s chief engineer and racing team manager, Louis Coatalen, the car was constructed during 1919 and early 1920 and power came from an aero engine, a type used on naval seaplanes.

Chrysler and Fiat get a new logo, Dutch incorporation, UK tax shelter

Chrysler Group reported an increase in earnings for the fourth quarter as the launch of the2014 Jeep Cherokee and higher U.S. sales helped the automaker to its third straight annual profit. In a separate announcement today, Chrysler and Fiat said their combined company will be renamed Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV.

Jaguar F-Type Coupe is ‘Good to be Bad’ for Super Bowl Advert (video)

The Jaguar F-Type Coupe is #GoodToBeBad Back in November we revealed that the Jaguar F-Type Coupe was going to feature in an advert – Rendezvous – during the Super Bowl in the US as Jaguar look to bring attention in the States to perhaps the most impressive Jaguar in a generation or two. Focusing on the predilection of Hollywood directors to cast British actors as villains, the new F-Type Coupe Super Bowl advert features Sir Ben Kingsley, Tom Hiddleston and Mark Strong as archetypal British villains, with the new Jaguar F-Type front and centre. The advert suggest that Brits make the best villains because they sound right, are more focused, more precise, always one step ahead, have a certain style, an eye for detail and are obsessed by power.

Watch a Lamborghini Hurac

Some of us around the AW office mostly refuse to be moved by modern Lamborghinis, clinging to the wacky 'n' weird minimal-production maintenance horrorshows of our youth. The Sesto Elemento was a bright spot. Last year's zany Veneno at least looked interplanetary, though it still didn't capture the Barbarella-cool of the LP400.

Audi Q3: new entry-level 1.4 TFSI & new S Line Plus trim option

The new Audi Q3 1.4 TFSI (pictured) offers a sensible petrol alternative Although we all now seem as obsessed in the UK by frugal diesel engines as Europe has been for many years, there’s a lot to be said for a petrol engine. So the launch of the Audi Q3 1.4 TFSI petrol as the new entry point for the Q3 range should make private buyers – and those who don’t do mega miles – sit up and take notice. The Q3 1.4 TFSI only comes with front wheel drive, but it does offer a sensible alternative to the 2.0 litre TDI 140 for many buyers, with 148bhp, a 0-62mph of 9.2 seconds (8.9s with the optional S tronic ‘box), official economy of 47.9mpg and emissions of 137g/km.

Mini celebrates 50 years since Monte win

IT'S 50 years since the iconic Mini Cooper S won the Monte Carlo Rally and to mark the occasion the famous car and its driver have been brought back together. Paddy Hopkirk took the Mini to its maiden win on the Monte Carlo Rally, and the car went on to win again in 1965 and 1967. It should also have won in 1966, but it was denied due to a technical infringement with its lights.

Is the car industry heading toward the past?

Is the future of cars decidedly old school? An NPR blogger certainly thinks so. NPR Business Desk reporter Sonari Glinton recently likened the 2014 Detroit auto show to an era 40 years ago, reflecting the possibility that the renewed zeitgeist of an entire convention indicates a "retro" kind of thinking.

Lexus LF-NX SUV – has the production LF-NX been accidentally revealed?

Is this the production version of the Lexus LF-NX? We got the reveal of the Lexus LF-NX Concept – a mid-sized SUV/Crossover, designed to slot in below the Lexus RX – at the Frankfurt Motor Show last September, and it turned up again in November at the Tokyo Motor Show. Two showings in as many months made it all but certain the LF-NX was heading for production, and the accidental reveal of what looks like a production version of the LF-NX at the Society of Automotive Analysts Conference ahead of the Detroit Auto Show during a speech by Toyota’s Jim Lentz seems to confirm the LF-NX’s imminent arrival.

Cadillac ELR comes with free home-charging station

The Chevrolet Volt-based Cadillac ELR has never been associated with a low price of entry, but Cadillac is now offering an extra incentive to those looking to buy one. The company will provide a 240-Volt Level 2 home-charging station including installation with a new ELR. Cadillac hopes this incentive just might sway some buyers who have been thinking about buying the luxury gas-electric hybrid, or those who have been cross-shopping the ELR with the Tesla Model S.

Ross Roberts: 1938-2014

Ross Roberts, a former Ford Division general manager who helped turn trucks into everyday vehicles--not to mention a really good guy with a large personality and bigger laugh--died Jan. 28. He was 75.

Porsche Cayman and Boxster GTS on the way

Porsche Cayman GTS and Boxster GTS variants are expected to be unveiled at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show this year, before the upgraded versions of the German firm’s two-seater coupe and convertible models go on sale in April. According to reports, development work on both cars is now almost complete, with both vehicles gaining a power increase and revised styling over existing Cayman and Boxster models (pictured). On Bing: see pictures of the Porsche Boxster GTSFind out how much a used Boxster costs on Auto Trader Porsche has used the ‘GTS’ tag before, for versions of its existing cars that provide a more focused driver experience and greater emphasis on involvement and handling, and which retain normally aspirated engines.

Five least-green vehicles

We are a generation seemingly obsessed with the environment, eager to cover our carbon footprints in any way possible--or at least give off a green vibe visible to our neighbors). And though many car buyers are jumping on the hybrid and electric bandwagons, the majority of us still crave brute-power cars and trucks. While being environmentally friendly is nice, there comes a time when you just have to be mean -- eco-mean, in this case.

Nissan's London taxi to be assembled in Coventry

NISSAN has announced that final assembly of its new NV200-based London taxi will take place in Coventry, contributing to a £6 million investment in a brand new facility. ADV Manufacturing will undertake the final production stage before each unit then heads for the streets of the English capital. Andy Palmer, Chief Planning Officer and Executive Vice President of Nissan Motor Corporation, revealed the news as part of his address to students at Coventry University, where he was delivering the prestigious Bugatti Lecture on the future of motoring.

BMW vs Winter: 435i Coupe vs M3, Part One

By Ben Barry (photography by Richard Pardon) First Official Pictures 29 January 2014 12:00 How much difference can winter tyres make to your car’s performance and safety? In snowy conditions, choosing between winter and summer tyres is like choosing between crampons and slippers, but plenty of British winters pass with barely a flake touching the ground. So it’s understandable that most of us are reluctant to fork out for winter tyres.

Koenigsegg One:1 to debut at 2014 Geneva Motor Show

The extreme Koenigsegg One:1 (pictured) will debut at the 2014 Geneva Motor SHow At the end of 2012 we exclusively revealed the first details of the Koenigsegg One:1, an extreme take on the Agera R and being built in very small numbers. Then, in September last year, we were able to flesh out what the Koenigsegg One:1 would offer after Koenigsegg revealed more details – and it is impressive. The One:1 will come with 1,400 HP and weigh in at just 1400 KG, and that weight includes all fluids and even the weight of an average driver.

Frugal new entry-level Audi Q3 1.4 TFSI

Audi has launched a new entry-level Q3 1.4 TFSI, available with front-wheel drive only. It’s billed as an alternative to the Audi Q3 2.0 TDI, and so potent is the turbocharged petrol engine, it shouldn’t be seen as a poor relation. On Bing: see pictures of the Audi Q3 Find out how much a used Audi Q3 costs on Auto Trader The Q3 1.4 TFSI develops 150hp between 5,000 and 6,000rpm, and maximum of torque of 184lb ft from 1,750 to 3,000rpm.

Learner driver caught being supervised by parrot

A learner driver is said to be as sick as a parrot after having her car confiscated for driving on the motorway with only a talking bird for company. The female driver in her 50s got herself in a bit of a flap after being pulled over by the police for speeding, near junction 22 of the M62 in West Yorkshire. On Bing: see pictures of parrots Learner driver sits test 110 times West Yorkshire Roads Police tweeted a picture of the parrot in question, saying: “Say hello to my little friend.

Labour Pushes For Kids-In-Car Smoking Ban

IN A MOVE that could see drivers responsible for ensuring all passengers stub out their cigarettes when in the presence of children, smoking in cars carrying children could become illegal if a vote in the House of Lords is passed. As part of an amendment to the Children and Families Bill, Labour wants to see a specific offence created to discourage people from smoking around children. Crucially, the amendment would make it an offence for drivers of private vehicles to fail to prevent smoking when a child is present.

POTHOLES cause 'over £1 billion in damage every year'

POTHOLES are costing British drivers £1.2 billion every year due to damage to suspension, steering and wheels. This is a 16% rise in the cost of damage to cars on the UK’s roads and the weather has played a major part in the rise in the number of potholes. Councils say they don’t have the money to deal with the problem due to budget cuts and there has also been an 18% increase in the number of dangerous potholes reported during the past 12 months according to the Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA).

One Lap of the Web: Ayrton Senna's NSX is for sale

-- The late great Ayrton Senna's 1992 Honda NSX (yes, it was sold as a Honda in Europe) is for sale. We are not worthy of owning such a machine, and we're not really sure who might be. The list is small.

BMW wants to put adverts in your car

Ever wish you could be bombarded with advertisements as you drive to work? Forever wondering what special offers are available in the grocery store you’ve just passed? No, neither have we.

1924 Le Mans-winning Bentley to go on show

A 90-YEAR-OLD Le Mans-winning Bentley is to go on display in Paris next week as part of the prestigious Rétromobile exhibition. The car, which won the 1924 Le Mans race with John Duff and Frank Clement behind the wheel, is to be Bentley’s headline act at this year’s show. It was picked as a celebration of the rejuvenation of Bentley’s racing programme, with the Continental GT3 racer this year competing in races at Silverstone in Northamptonshire, Italy’s famous Monza and the cutting edge Paul Ricard circuit in southern France.

Apple iOS in the Car coming soon

Apple Many of today’s cars feature a touchscreen infotainment system of some sort, with a number of them looking remarkably like a high-end tablet device. So it was only a matter of time before the two technologies converged. This vision appears to be a little closer to reality now, with images and a video leaked on Twitter appearing to be show a highly advanced version of Apple’s much-rumoured iOS in the Car feature.

Car owners targeted by litter law

CAR OWNERS could be fined if other people drop litter out of their vehicles under new laws approved by peers. The new law would mean the registered owner of a vehicle would face a civil penalty even if they were not responsible for the littering. Home Office minister Lord Taylor said it would give councils an extra power to tackle the "scourge" of rubbish lying on the roadside.

Historic first Porsche P1 electric vehicle goes on display

In what at first glance appears to be a blatant attempt to upset McLaren’s SEO – that’s Search Engine Optimisation – a Porsche P1 model has been announced. But this is no fearsome new 1,000hp rival to McLaren’s P1 hypercar (after all, Porsche already has one of those). Rather, the Porsche P1 actually dates from 1898, and produces just 3hp.

Ayrton Senna Honda NSX for sale

A HONDA NSX supercar once regularly driven by legendary Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna is coming up for auction. The stunning car, which is still in exemplary condition, was bought for Senna by his manager and friend Antonio Carlos de Almeida Braga, for the three-time World Champion to use when visiting his home in Portugal. After Senna’s untimely death in 1994, the NSX sat for two years in Portugal, with strict instructions that no one should be allowed to use it – or even touch it.