Mazda RX-8 facelift (2008): first official pictures

By Ben Pulman First Official Pictures 13 January 2008 10:47 Mazda’s facelifted RX-8 arrived at the Detroit Motor Show, and it’s more of a mild nip and tuck than a drastic overhaul. Mazda hasn’t suddenly dropped in a V6 or anything like that – so far over 165,000 rotary-engined RX-8s have been sold and Mazda doesn’t want to mess with a recipe that works. That means it’s still a four-door, four seater with 'Freestyle' (suicide to you and me) doors, and a unchanged 1.3-litre turbine engine available in 189bhp and 228bhp states of tune.

Hyundai i10 Electric introduced

The all electric Hyundai i10 will show at Frankfurt (click for bigger image) This is a bit of a surprise from Hyundai, as they’d always said they would concentrate on hybrids until hydrogen fuel cell technology was advanced enough to make it viable in a budget car. But Hyundai are being pragmatic. There is a desire from the public for all electric cars – however misplaced that may be – and Hyundai aren’t going to be left out.

Michelin Challenge Design 2013 competition deadline next Friday

The Michelin Challenge Design 2013 competition deadline is fast approaching – you only have until 1 June to submit your designs. The theme of this year's competition is ‘HALF! Lightweight with a Passion', with entrants being asked to explore lightweight vehicle development by designing a family vehicle for four to six people.  The design has to adhere to consumers' safety and comfort needs as well as usability on current road infrastructure and production feasibility using modern technology, materials, powertrain solutions or manufacturing solutions.