Cruise Control Switch Standard Ds-1271 on 2040-parts.com

Audi R8 Spyder leaks out

The first proper pictures of the new Audi R8 Spyder We’ve known for some time that the drop-top R8 was coming to Frankfurt. The Spyder has been seen out and about on the set of the film ‘Iron Man II’, and we had a UK Audi dealer using a picture from the set to promote orders for the R8 Spyder back in July. So it’s not new news, but the pictures are new and are obviously part of the official release set – which we’ll no doubt see later today.

Subaru XV gets a price cut – down by £1300 on 1.6 litre versions

It wasn’t a bad starting point for an able mid-sized crossover – a high-riding Impreza, in all but name –  but it wasn’t the cheapest offering in the class. But now, with the Yen being a bit kinder to Japanese car makers, Subaru has decided to nudge the price a bit lower to start the XV range off below £20k for the first time. The price drop for the XV only applies to the 1.6 litre petrol versions, but you can now get the entry-level XV 1.6i S for a more affordable £19,995 rising to £23,415 for the XV 1.6i SE with the Lineartronic gearbox, reductions across the range of £1300.

Renault cuts back UK range, axes Laguna, Espace, Modus

Renault UK today announced a dramatic shake-up of its range – it's axing all sales of the Laguna, Espace, Modus, Wind and Kangoo in the UK from February 2012. It's part of a big drive to improve profitability in Great Britain. It plans to stop the majority of its rental and Motability sales to improve profitability.