Smart ForTwo

First launched in 1998 as the MCC Smart City Coupe, the ForTwo has been redeveloped as it moves towards the North American market. Length has increased from 2.5m to just under 2.7m - for greater crash protection and more trunk space, which now stands at 340 liters when packed to the roof. Regulations have also seen the IP straightened out, though the prominent air vents remain.

Volkswagen working on new VR6 engine

Volkswagen is pushing ahead with development of a new narrow-angle V6 direct-injection gas engine, sources from the German carmaker's engineering headquarters based in Braunschweig reveal. Engineering for the new engine is being overseen by Volkswagen's new head of engine development, Fritz Eichler -- who in a previous position led the development of the current generation of Mercedes-Benz AMG powerplants -- continues with a swept volume of 3.0-liters and an unfashionable 15-degree cylinder bank angle. It has been conceived for transverse mounting.

Tata Nano: the CEO’s plans to sell it in Europe

Carl-Peter Forster, CEO of Tata Motors, has told CAR of his hopes for Tata’s expansion in Europe – with plans to launch the Nano here with a diesel and possibly an electric version. You can read the full interview with Forster in the new July 2010 issue of CAR Magazine out this week. Tata is already the world’s fourth largest commercial vehicle producer and it is a strong force in the Indian car market.