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Hennessey unveils VelociRaptor SUV

From the folks who brought you the Venom GT and countless other cars and trucks capable of putting up ridiculous numbers, Hennessey Performance is back with another concoction, the VelociRaptor SUV. Based on the standard Ford F-150 Raptor, the truck is converted to a full-size SUV (think Ford Excursion) with seating for up to eight people. Though it's based on the Raptor, don't expect to go extreme off-roading with it, as Hennessey states that this car is intended for on-road use, as well as light to moderate off-roading.

Volkswagen launches Car-Net in-car assistance system

Volkswagen has launched an in-car assistance system which will offer a number of convenience and diagnostic features. Not too dissimilar from some other systems already on the market -- such as BMW Assist, Mercedes-Benz'sMbrace, and GM's On-Star -- VW's system will offer roadside assistance, service appointment scheduling, and automatic crash notification. The latter triggers a call from the vehicle to a Car-Net customer specialist when the airbags in the car are deployed, which will then connect the occupants with a local public safety answering point, which can send emergency vehicles to the scene if needed.

Peugeot confirms BB1 for production

Peugeot has confirmed it will build a production version of the BB1, the concept car that's a cross between a car and a scooter. Coming less than a week after it unveiled the SR1 – a roadster concept car that’s supposed to be a line in the sand for Peugeot design – the announcement came as the 200-year old French car company launched its Marque plan that'a aimed at rejuvenating the brand. The five-year scheme has three goals: to move Peugeot up three places in the world car market; to establish the company as a benchmark for style; and to make it a leader in mobility services.