Bogus DVLA websites costing motorists

A number of websites claiming to offer Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA) test booking services are costing drivers up to three times as much for routine applications, according to new reports. The Office of Fair Trading has confirmed that these fake sites exceed the standard DVLA costs for booking a driving theory or practical test – priced at £31 and £62 respectively – but that the independently run services are not actually illegal. On Bing: see pictures of the driving test MSN Cars learner drivers guide Preying on less experienced learner drivers looking to put in for their test, these sites generally appear as sponsored links resulting from an internet search.

Ford puts the 2012 Focus ST through its paces

Ford product gurus are hard at work flogging prototypes of the 2012 Focus ST on challenging roads around the world in preparation of the hot hatch's launch next year. The car debuted in concept guise at the Paris motor show and is the halo of the new Ford Focus lineup, packing 246 hp from a turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine paired with a six-speed manual. Ford released shots of the Focus ST in light camouflage today as it tries to build momentum for the sporty addition to its small-car lineup.

BMW Z4 – with 550bhp V10!

Manhart Racing has produced a BMW Z4 with the M5 V10 BMW reckons that there is no need for a Z4M, so the best Bavaria offers off the shelf is just over 300bhp. But one man has other ideas – Günther Manhart of Manhart Racing. He decided that what was really needed in the Z4 was that nice V10 from the M5.