Ford Australia designs Mad Max concepts

With the iconic road movie ‘Mad Max' set to reappear on the silver screen next year, the Australian International Motor Show played host to two Ford concepts aiming to be the next 'Interceptor'. Built in response to a brief from Top Gear Australia, Ford Australia's Research Centre employees created a variety of machines for Max. The entries, however, were whittled down to those from Nima Nourian and Simon Brook.

Ford speed-limiter option becomes more popular in Europe

An adjustable speed limiter ranks high on the popularity list with Ford buyers in Europe. Ford says it sold more than 220,000 cars with the system last year on the Continent. The take rate has been particularly high on the Mondeo sedan (86 percent), the S-Max wagon (85 percent) and the Kuga SUV (83 percent).

Mercedes proves E-Class hybrid tech with unusual test

IN AN impressive display of performance and economy, Mercedes-Benz has completed a lengthy test of its new E300 Bluetech Hybrid saloon by driving it almost the length of the country on a single tank of fuel with a flat-out speed test at either end. With ex-rally driver Mick Linford at the wheel the standard production E300 Bluetech Hybrid began with a full tank of fuel at Newquay Cornwall Airport, the most southerly airport in mainland Britain. Down the main runway it completed an acceleration test to past 62mph from rest in a little over seven seconds and reached 136mph before braking for the end of the runway.