Future products: Honda aims to build on momentum surrounding the Odyssey

Honda has run into a few problems with its new-vehicle introductions of late. The current Accord was a bit too large in this era of downsizing, the Accord Crosstour was knocked for its styling, and the Insight hybrid suffered disappointing sales. Things may have changed, though.

80mph limit plans 'to be revisited'

SHELVED PLANS to raise the motorway speed limit to 80mph will need to be revisited, a transport minister said as he declined to say whether he ever broke the current law to drive at that speed. Stephen Hammond said ministers were split on the move - which was unveiled with a fanfare by Philip Hammond in 2011 but then axed from the agenda by successors as transport secretary. Polling suggests a 10mph increase in the maximum allowed on the network would be extremely popular among motorists - and the transport minister recognised "a lot" already drove at the higher speed.

Mercedes E-class coupe and convertible (2017)

By Georg Kacher Motor Industry 16 May 2014 12:08 Mercedes’ renaissance promises to continue with the all-new E-class cabriolet and coupe. Under development and set for launch in 2017, the new sports cars share the all-new hardware from the E-class saloon (codenamed W213), including its boxfresh straight-six engines, and a high-tech cockpit to make Luke Skywalker envious. The design will evolve the look of the current car, which is pictured here.