Shocking bald tyre sparks safety warning

A TYRE that was completely bald after being taken off a high-performance BMW has sparked warnings from tyre safety charity TyreSafe. The shocking pictures of the incredibly dangerous tyre, whose owner is lucky to be alive, show the extent of the lengths to which some people are pushing the limits of safety. As it is, the tyre would be almost completely ineffective in wet or damp conditions, and how the driver had avoided an accident is a mystery.

Audi introduces free smartphone app for roadside service

With its new roadside-assistance tool, Audi joins the crew of carmakers creating smartphone apps. Available for iPhone, Android and some Blackberry devices, the free app connects you directly with Audi and its insurance partner, Allstate. The app sends your vehicle information to Audi Roadside Services, allows you to select the type of service you require and communicates your location using your phone's GPS.

Volvo tuner Polestar reveals production S60 and V60 models

It's not every day that we can tell you about a performance-tuned station wagon that is actually coming to the U.S., but today is one of those rare days. Volvo racing and aftermarket tuning specialist Polestar has revealed details of their production versions of the V60 wagon and the S60 sedan, which are bound for the U.S. The S60 and V60's 3.0-liter T6 engine has been tuned to produce 350 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, which is said to give it a 0 to 62 mph time of 4.9 seconds, on the way to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.