Hurst Aluminum Universal Shifter T-handle on 2040-parts.com

BMW Vision ConnectedDrive (2011) first pictures

This gorgeous two-seat roadster is the BMW Vision ConnectedDrive, set to be unveiled at the 2011 Geneva motor show. Unlike some of BMW’s other Vision-tagged concept cars, this unfortunately isn’t a thinly disguised production car, but a study designed to highlight the company’s driver assistance systems.  However, although BMW has released no details on the engine or layout under the sexy skin, thankfully the Vision ConnectedDrive’s stunning styling (including the shark nose, wrap-around rear lights and layered body) will find its way onto future production BMWs.  For a start sensors in the headlamps and rear lights monitor the traffic situation and the environment around the car, while instead of wing mirrors there are antennas that receive navigation data and transmit other information. Inside the driver has a 3D head-up display, and the system can project information about the chosen sat-nav route so it appears at the exact point of a possible turn-off. The 3D system also displays information in the foreground or background of the display depending on its relevance.

England to ban car park cameras?

Static cameras and ‘spy cars’ fitted with video surveillance equipment could be banned in England following communities secretary Eric Pickle’s statement that he wanted to “rein in over-zealous and unfair rules.” The government isn’t looking to eradicate parking enforcement altogether, however. The coalition stated that traffic wardens armed with cameras would be able to carry out the task instead, potentially at a reduced cost to the state over the current setup. On Bing: see pictures of the craziest double-yellow lines If drivers could stop on double yellow lines, parking chaos would ensue These fixed cameras and moving camera cars have issued more than £301 million worth of fines in over 10 million separate cases during the past five years, according to the Conservative party.

Driven: Mini Clubman

The Mini Clubman is one of the most interesting - but polarizing - car designs on the market today. The first generation 'new' Mini was a big success for BMW, despite having been such a huge leap from the original Mini design in so many ways. With the second generation Mini following the first very closely, it now falls to the new Clubman variant to push further what a 'Mini' can be.