Gm Chevy Sm465 4-speed Manual Transmission Shift Cover on 2040-parts.com

Ford's young driver training proves a hit

FORD'S new young driver training programme, dubbed Ford Driving Skills for Life, has proved an instant hit with the first two sessions being substantially oversubscribed. Over 500 applications were made for the 300 free places available at Excel in London and the Trafford Centre in Manchester, and the participants aged between 17 and 24 received tips and guidance in the controlled environment of a purpose-built track. Manchester University student, Ryan Harrison, who took part in the free driver training, said: “I’ve learned so much today, especially in the skid car, learning what I’ve done wrong in the past without realising it and where to put my hands on the wheel.

Concept Car of the Week: Abarth 2000 (1969)

In 1969, a few years before it was sold to Fiat, Abarth and Pininfarina worked together to develop an attractive sports car prototype. Simply called Abarth 2000 after the displacement of its engine, this red beauty features a sleek wedge silhouette with a roof only 970mm from the ground. The bonnet connects with the pillarless wraparound windscreen for 180-degree vision.

VW XL1 (2013) 314mpg eco-car heads for production

VW supremo Ferdinand Piech has kept his promise of putting the XL1 super-eco car into production. VW has confirmed the 313mpg XL1 will be built in limited numbers, around 50 of which are earmarked for UK sale. It's an expensive way to save money on fuel though: projected prices for the XL1 run into six figures.