Ford Explorer Multifunction/body Control Module 1996 on 2040-parts.com

Euro NCAP latest

By Jack Carfrae Motor Industry 28 February 2007 10:12 Euro NCAP releases results on five new models Should Euro NCAP recalibrate its results? We suspect it should, as virtually every new car launched these days scores a high four- or five-star overall rating for occupant protection. The new results announced today are no different: Small family carsFiat Bravo: 5 stars (occupant safety), 3 stars (child safety), 2 stars (pedestrian safety) Toyota Corolla saloon: 5 stars (occupant), 4 stars (children), 3 stars (pedestrian) Small off-roaders Honda CR-V: 4 stars (occupant), 4 stars (children), 2 stars (pedestrian) Mitsubishi Outlander: 4 stars (occupant), 3 stars (children), 2 stars (pedestrian) Executive Honda Legend: 5 stars (occupant), 4 stars (children), 3 stars (pedestrian) Dig below the surface, though, and several disappointments emerge.

One in six drivers 'top 100mph'

ONE IN SIX (17%) of drivers admits to driving at more than 100mph on the motorway regularly in the UK, even though the speed limit is 70mph. More than twice that number (38%) own up to driving at above 90mph, while 11% say they speed at 50mph or more in residential and urban areas where there is a 30mph speed limit. Research by Direct Line shows 61% of drivers have also exceeded the 20mph limit.

Lotus Elise S Cup R poised for US consumption

Lotus can’t sell its road cars in North America anymore (dang safety regulations!), but that won’t stop them from sending some hardcore track vehicles here for the true enthusiasts. Enter the Lotus Elise S Cup R. The Cup R variant of the Elise sports a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 217 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque with help from a Magnuson R900 supercharger.